STORY^ SON' 




V 



LOUIS F. CURTIS 



! 



i' T; iilHi l!M 




Book_i^-<£2\5:/ 
GopyriglrtN" /^c>^ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



STORY AND SONG 




I know not how the marvel grew. 
That nature made one model do; 
Graving the features bold or fine 
Alike in every shade and line. 



STORY AND SONG 



BY :^j 

LOUIS f/curtis 



ILLUSTRATED BY 

FLORINE HYER 



If please ye^ listen to my lore 

SPENSER 




CHICAGO 

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS CO. 

1905 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

DEC 21 1905 

CoLtvri&Tii Entry 
CLASS (X XXc. No 

COPY ff: ' 



Copyright, igo5, 

BY 

LOUIS F. CURTIS 



? 



3 zror 



^767 






DEDICATION 

TO WELL BELOVED WIFE WHO FONDLY GAVE 

AS WARM A HEART AS MAN COULD EVER CRAVE, 

AND TO MY MOTHER WHOSE SINCEREST LOVE 

HATH PROVED THE EARNEST OF A HEAVEN ABOVE, 

I DEDICATE THIS LITTLE BOOK OF SONG. 

PERCHANCE IT MAY A HAPPY HOUR PROLONG 

OR SOOTHE A SORROW WHEN THE DAY IS DONE, 

OR MAY ITS RYTHM AND THE RISEN SUN 

FOND RECOLLECTION STRIKE, A SILVER BELL, 

TO ECHO SWEET AND TELL I LOVED YE PASSING WELL. 



FOREWORD 

The greater part of this volume was presented in 
manuscript form before the Progress Literary Circle of 
Los Ajtgeles, California. The kind reception accorded 
the verse by the members of the Progress Circle encour- 
aged the Author to offer the work to a larger audience. 

Los Angeles, ^' ^' ^' 

September J, igo^ 



CONTENTS 



GURTH .... 






'3 


King Edgar ...... 


• 37 


The Century ...... 


75 


California's Greeting at the World's Fair 


81 


To My Mother — Her 77TH Birthday 


87 


The Behymer Library .... 


90 


KOKINA .... 






■ 91 


Recent Wanderings of Ulysses 






• 97 


A Mother's Love . 






. Ill 


Jennie .... 






>i5 


Longing .... 






. 117 


Fate .... 






. 119 


The Oaks .... 






120 


The Favored Ones 






. 122 


Let Me Dwell 






. 124 


Retrospection 






126 


The Watchword . 






. 128 


The Unfinished Statue 






130 


A Christmas Prayer 






133 


The Three Bells . 






135 


Santa Clara Valley 






137 


Two Flowers 






140 


To Mildred . 






143 


Futurity 






H5 


Leave Them Alone . 






146 


Laddie 






148 


Armenia 






150 


Crown of the Valley 






152 



A Dream 








154 


La Fiesta de La Flores 








156 


Awaken, O Queen . 








158 


Welcome, Gracious Queen of 


VIlRTF 






160 


Teach Me, Painter 








163 


Little Jim 








. 165 


June .... 








168 


The Sailor's Return 








169 


A Maid with a Heart 








171 


Jim Root 








173 


The Moon . 








176 


Marjorie 








179 


A Precious Flower 








. 180 


That Other Room 








182 


Peace, Be Still 








183 


One .... 








. 184 


Faster . . . . . 








185 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Nature Made One Model Do 
I Heard My Brother's Name 
My Harp Long Silent . 
Sad the Sovereign 
On Threshold She Paused 
Fair Shadows of Night . 



Frontispiece 
20 ' 

35- 
39/ 

48 
58' 



GURTH 



A Norseman I, although my face 

Betrays the blood of the Latin race, 

The reason is not far to trace j 

A sea-king home from southron raid 

In fetters brought a Gallic maid 

But ere the summer-time was done 

The conqu'ror's heart was lost and won. 

He bowed himself to woman's wiles — 

Became a vassal of her smiles, 

Then in an ancient runic hall 

The Norse was wedded to the Gaul. 

This the sire and the witching dame 

From whom our very life-blood came. 

II. 

Twin brothers were we, Gurth and I, 
Born where the iceberg cleaves the sky. 
Where Odin*s offspring Baldur bright 
Is hidden by eternal night ; 
Baldur fair as the sunset glow 
Whom Hoder slew with the mistletoe. 
Our sire a rover. Ocean grim 
Ever he vowed was calling him 

13 



STORY AND SONG 



Calling, chanting : " Come thou to me, 
Thou art a child of the billows free." 

Ill 

Oh, the sea, the sea ; thou treacherous sea ' 
Luring the children of men unto thee. 
Charming them out with your sirenous song. 
The brave and the fair, the young and the strong. 
Enticing them on with maiden-sweet breath 
Till they lie enbosomed asleep in death. 

IV 

And so our sire southward went ; 
He ravaged Gaul and pillaged Kent, 
Then homeward sails, his vessel toils 
Laden deep with the richest spoils — 
Laden deep — and the spoils are rare — 
One is a maid surpassing fair. 
Her flaxen tress and eyes like Danes' 
Proclaim the Saxon in her veins. 
White as a lilly, her drooping head 
Sign of a heart that inward bled. 
Drooped still lower until she died 
For love of man on the Kentish side. 
I was a child yet the maiden's grace 
Carved an ever-remembered face. 
Full of beauty j her spirit fair 
So oft absorbed in silent prayer. 
Her fate taught me as years increase 
A hate of war, a love of peace. 

14 



GURTH 



I was a youth of eight and ten 
When our roving sire sailed again, 
Steered away to the sunny south 
To feed the famine-stricken mouth ; 
And with the father journeyed Gurth 
To match himself with men of worth ; 
A stripling, lithe and strong and tall, 
Eager to answer the battle's call. 
But O, his mother's heart was rent 
With anguish like when death is sent. 
With streaming eyes, at love's behest. 
She bound him closely to her breast. 
As if she knew by mystic ken 
She ne'er would hold him there again. 
And thus it proved; ten years have sped. 
Our mother sleeps amid the dead ! 
She quenched with tears the living flame 
For sire and son who never came — 
For sire and son, but more for Gurth, 
Who seemed the chosen flower of earth. 

VI 

My mother, as I upward grew. 
Instilled the mother tongue she knew. 
Till Gallic speech and songs they sung 
Were wedded to my Norway tongue. 
I owned my brother's form and face. 
His voice, his walk, yet lacked his grace ; 

IS 



STORY AND SONG 



So closely molded were we twain, 

That kindred searched and searched in vain 

For blemish, mole, or shade of hair 

To know who stood before them there. 

And though they sought with frequent mirth. 

They oft declared that I was Gurth, 

Or Gurth was I. One uncle swore 

We traded garments that we wore ; 

Another vowed the god of storms 

Had granted power to change our forms. 

I know not how the marvel grew, 

That nature made one model do. 

Graving the features bold or fine 

Alike in every shade and line. 

VII 

But outer garments only hide 

The unseen souls who there abide. 

The mask of flesh is but a sphinx 

Screening the thing that toils and thinks. 

The mind itself still puzzles mind — 

Revealing little hid behind 

The wall of flesh ; we stand and gaze 

Upon the threshold of this maze 

But may not enter. Search how we will 

This baffles all our lore and skill. 

VIII 

We brothers of the selfsame race. 
So near alike in form and face, 
i6 



GURTH 



Within were of a different mold. 

My brother Gurth was strong and bold, 

While I, perchance as strong as he, 

Was wedded unto minstrelsy. 

He followed close the god of war — 

Treading upon the heels of Thor — 

While I did butchery abhor. 

My senses sickened at the sight 

Of blood. I often prayed to Night 

To make an end of awful slaughters 

Of stalwart men, of dames and daughters. 

But unto Gurth, the battle strife 

Even in youth was the breath of life. 



IX 



Long years have fled — no message came 

From those who bore our family name. 

No rumor ran of sire or son ; 

I knew not if their lives were done — 

I knew not if they captives lay — 

Within a dungeon hid from day. 

But since my saddened mother slept 

I deemed my duty tardy kept 

To speed wherever billows led 

To seek my kinsmen quick or dead. 

In mighty erlking's lofty boat 

My humble harp was soon afloat ; 

And I and ten score men abide 

Within the vessel's roomy side. 

17 



STORY AND SONG 



Ten sister ships have trimmed their sales 

To catch with ours the fav'ring gales. 

A hundred banners beat the air — 

A mighty host is chanting prayer — 

A prayer to Odin and to Thor 

For brave success and spoil of war. 

A thousand vikings crowd aboard 

Then outward, downward through the fiord. 

One lingering look across the lee 

And erlking steered for the open sea. 

X 

Three months have passed. I may not stay 
To tell the struggles night and day, 
Of fearful battles lost and won. 
Of cities sacked at set of sun ; 
From Friesland coast to Afric's bay 
Our lurid torches lit the way. 
Full many vessels homeward creep 
With harvests only swords can reap. 
Then swift return with added hosts 
To join us on Iberian coasts. 
Through all these days I ne'er forgot 
My sire and Gurth but found them not : 
With Gallic speech and harp and song 
I journeyed weary miles along, 
And little needed deep disguise — 
I seemed a Gaul to Gallic eyes. 
Through star-lit nights I trudged afar 
To view some captive man of war. 
i8 



GURTH 



Then at the dawn would haste away 
To where our ships at anchor lay ; 
Then sailing, sailing, still to south, 
We ride at last near Tiber's mouth. 

XI 

That morning ere the noon of day 
I sped across the level bay, 
And in a friendly sheltered cave 
Secured my bark against the wave. 
Then with my harp upon mine arm 
I ventured forth with no alarm; 
For music with its power to charm 
Had ever kept me safe from harm. 
I wandered shoreward till the wave 
Was guarded by a castle brave. 
Then turning landward hoped to meet 
A peasant maiden I might greet. 
As I have trudged from door to door 
I've learned to trust the lowly poor. 
And maiden tears were won't to flow 
As I retold my mother's woe. 
How her fond heart life's burden bore 
For spouse and son who came no more. 

XII 

By chance, or is there ever chance, 
Anear the way of my advance, 
Open I saw a postern gate 
Luring me onward to my fate. 

19 



STORY AND SONG 



Within a spacious garden, fair 

As are VahalJa's gardens rare, 

Mine eyes beheld a temple stand — 

Such fanes as dot the Gallic land 

With cross atop, the faithful sign 

Of Him the Latins deem divine. 

And from the door ajar I heard 

A prayer but understood no word. 

The language strange, but word and tone 

Were such the good alone may own. 

With accents pure, the voice of love 

Must surely win its way above. 

I stood entranced and thought me hid 

Behind a flowering pyramid. 

Hoping to view the one whose voice 

Had bade my inmost heart rejoice. 

XHI 

Anear she came a princely air 
Enrobed a woman passing fair ; 
The glow of youth was on her cheeks, 
Where e re mine eye perfection seeks 
Of rounded form, of orb and brow 
It seemed to shine before me now ; 
And costly garb and noble mein 
Proclaimed her little less than queen. 
I would have fled but her dark eye 
Transfixed me as I turned to fly. 
And ere I could a footstep claim 
Amazed I heard my brother's name. 
20 




And ere I could a footstep claim. 
Amazed, I heard my brother's name. 



GURTH 



"Ah, Gurth," she said, while swift surprise 
Was written large within mine eyes, 
But there enchained I had no choice 
Save hear the music of her voice. 
" Ah, Gurth, thou art returned so soon ? 
My prayer hath surely wrought this boon ; 
What say the leader of the host. 
Whose sails o'er shadow half the coast ? 
Did he accept the profered gold 
To leave unscathed my castle bold ? 
Or must the Christ and men of war 
Fight pagans and the demon Thor ? 
How did the robbers and their king — 
Whose praises I have heard thee sing — 
Receive thee Gurth ? Thou dost not smile 
I fear the Norway greed and guile 
Were not o'ercome — that we must fight 
For life and home, for God and right. 
Speak Gurth, why art thou silent now, 
What thoughts are lurking in thy brow ?" 

XIV 

O, ye with wisdom calm and clear 
Solve me the problem written here. 
Behold the maid with flashing eye. 
How could I all her power defy ? 
She seemed an eagle and a dove, 
A dual nature born to love 
Yet vengeance take if one defied 
Her rightful rule, her power and pride, 

21 



STORY AND SONG 



Soft her bosom yet I could feel 

Her heart might grow as hard as steel. 

I saw anear me men at arms 

To guard the lady's ample charms ; 

Beheld the castle's frowning wall, 

The dungeon should the mistress call. 

Yet could I traitor prove to Gurth, 

My brother, doubly so, by birth ? 

Here was his home, his praise she sung, 

And he had taught her Norway's tongue. 

Now he had gone to buy release 

With gold, to bribe the erlking's peace 5 

I seemed to stand in deep disgrace 

Wearing my brother's copied face. 

She thought me Gurth : what could I say 

Except some words that meant delay. 

Hoping meantime on Gurth's return 

That she would all the secret learn. 

XV 

" I pray your ladyship will wait 
An hour or more ere I relate 
My story, all I saw and heard 
Youthen shall know, each look and word. 
But now I seem to lack the power 
Be gen'rous, grant me but an hour." 
" Ah, Gurth," she spake in sweet reply, 
" Take time you wish, nor tell me why 
Thou hast my castle, life and land 
Within the keeping of thy hand. 



GURTH 



Ten years ago, a stripling tall, 
Thou cam'st a prisoner to the hall. 
Thy pirate life was forfeit then — 
When I a little maid of ten 
On bended knees with pleading cries, 
Besought my sire for this prize. 
He gave your life to me ; since then 
Thou knowest all that we have been : 
How when my dame and father died 
I raised thee gov'nor near my side. 
My men at arms thy warriors are. 
And you my pride and power share. 
Shall I who dowered thee with power 
Refuse to grant a single hour ! 
Take hours and days, no soul shall seek 
A word until you will to speak. 
Enter and doff the Norse disguise 
At sight of it my father dies 
Again before my maiden eyes ; 
And in my mem'ry there revives 
The horror, murder, lust, and war 
Of those who follow cruel Thor. 
Fierce are tigers rending their prey 
Norsemen are fiercer far than they ! " 

XVI 

With that we entered side by side 
A room to fit a prince's pride, 
But ere mine eye had glanced it o'er 
My fair conductress quit the door. 

23 



STORY AND SONG 



I stood alone midst wealth and worth — 

Mementoes rich of absent Gurth — 

Puzzled I seek in vain to shape 

A course by which I may escape; 

Yet strangely in my hour of need 

I hoped that I might not succeed. 

I safety sought yet would not flee 

Were every doorway ope to me. 

That woman's voice, for good or ill, 

Had shorn my strength and bound my will. 

XVII 

An hour had passed it may be twain, 
Yet all my plannings were in vain. 
Then heard the lady's voice once more 
Entreating me to view the shore. 
" Look, Gurth ! behold the robber fleet 
Is lifting high each spar and sheet. 
With anchors hoist this landward breeze 
Will sweep them out upon the seas. 
I thank thee Gurth, thou didst prevail 
Behold the Norsemen setting sail ! " 
'Twas sadly true, O, how I yearned 
To know if Gurth had yet returned. 
Far as mine eye could outward reach 
I swiftly scanned the lacey beach; 
No boat was seen, none near the coast 
Returning from the viking host. 
I wished to flee where cavern dark 
Gave refuge to my tiny bark, 
24 



GURTH 



Then seaward row with steady hand 

Bring back my kinsman to the land. 

But distance great and Norse advance 

Bereft me of mine only chance. 

Then as their sails grew big with breeze 

I sank before her on my knees; 

And deeming life but little worth 

Confessed that I was never Gurth. 

" Who art thou, then ?" A mocking smile 

O'erlit her features in denial, 

Swift followed scorn and even now 

Her flashing eye and frowning brow 

Gave warning on the instant there 

She might be fierce as well as fair ; 

And written in her Latin face 

The craft and cunning of her race 

Bred quick suspicion ; saw the sign 

Of traitrous plot in words of mine ; 

And with a meaning glance she felt 

A jeweled dagger at her belt. 

" Since Gurth denies himself to me. 

Who art thou, then ?" demanded she. 

I then in accents scarcely bold 

My living story briefly told. 

" His brother I. Let me relate 

I hither came to learn his fate. 

Ten long and weary years have passed 

Since I beheld my kindred last ; 

And when my weeping mother died 

I journeyed on the moving tide, 

25 



STORY AND SONG 



Searching from Norway's icy shore 

For sire and son who came no more. 

My harp now in thy garden fair, 

A sweet companion in despair. 

Here venturing all I haply came 

And heard you breathe my brother's name. 

Twin brothers we, as thou mayst trace 

Resemblance close in form and face. 

I sealed my lips till thou shouldst learn 

The truth on noble Gurth's return. 

But since he sails I hope to claim 

Thy mercy in my kinsman's name." 

I sought her eyes, a softened air 

Foretold that I had gained my prayer. 

XVIII 

" Strange is thy story, stranger still 
I must believe against my will. 
Fain would I find some flaw to keep 
Thee hidden in my dungeon deep ; 
But every word and sign and tone 
Bespeak the truth and truth alone. 
I knew that near the ocean's rim 
Gurth had a brother like to him 
As are two peas within a pod. 
But never dreamed Italian sod 
Would find him here. Thy sire's soul 
Has passed beyond the earth's control. 
Thy hapless father's race is run. 
He perished when I saved the son." 
26 



GURTH 



XIX 

The day swift faded into night, 
The Night hung out her lamps of light. 
I watched them rise and pale, then came 
The sun to set the world aflame. 
Kindling with fire each spire of earth, 
And still no word from absent Gurth. 
Two lonely months were thus devoured. 
While high the faithful watchers towered 
Searching afar the wrinkled plane 
For Norway's fleet but all in vain. 
Each sail beheld, each spar and rope 
Proved sad delusion to our hope. 

XX 

Meanwhile the mistress of the tower 
Grew wayward — changing hour by hour - 
Tears followed smiles and anger tears. 
Triumphant joy succeeded fears ; 
Her heart a harp whose strings were swept 
By strange emotions memory kept. 
I wondered did another find 
Such April weather of the mind. 
She led me once with gentle hand 
To where arose a flower stand 
Enriched with many blossoms rare. 
And bade me choose the farest there 
To grace her wealth of hazel hair. 
27 



STORY AND SONG 



I plucked a rose which seemed to speak 

Of kinship to her red'ning cheek. 

She bowed her shapely head with grace 

For me to twine the bloom in place, 

But senseless I, the flower gave 

And straight was banished like a slave. 

Sometimes my harp at her behest 

Would wake a longing in her breast, 

As I retold in Gallic song 

Of faithless knight and maiden's wrong. 

She strangely watched with eyes alight 

As though I were the wicked knight. 

XXI 

I seemed a prisoner yet she gave 

Me all the freedom I could crave. 

Had she endowed with barge and boat 

The proudest that on waters float 

And said : " Thou hast supreme command." 

I could not then have quit the land. 

The strongest fetters captives feel 

Are never wrought of hammered steel ; 

An unseen thread may stronger keep 

Than stoney dungeon dark deep. 

XXII 

When days had melted into weeks. 
The roses faded from her cheeks : 
Yet Gurth came not. My heart grew ill 
To see my lady sad and still 
28 



GURTH 



Then feverish grow when I came near 

But why I knew not — 'twas not fear 

That moved her so. At last one eve 

The watchers on the tower receive 

A sad reward ; beheld a barge 

With some high chieftain in its charge, 

Approaching slowly on the tide 

Drop anchor near the castle's side. 

The sails were furled, two score of rowers 

Uplifted high their polished oars. 

And then upon the vesper air 

Arose a solemn chanted prayer 

In Norway's tongue. My heart in fear 

Beheld the sad procession near ; 

Eight stalwart warriors strong and tall 

Marched onward with a raven pall — 

Black as the darkest Norway night 

Hiding the very sun from sight. 

The wild, weird cronach soon was o'er — 

The column halted at the door 

As if the dead beneath the pall 

Would knock for entrance to the hall. 

The mistress with a tearful eye — 

Betwixt a shudder and a sigh — 

Gave me her hand, a sign to say. 

That I should lead the solemn way. 

I swung the carven portal wide — 

Then silent as if speech had died 

Without a word, a sign or song 

The black procession moved along : 



29 



STORY AND SONG 



'Neath armor in the stately hall 

They staid their steps : they set the pall. 

XXIII 

We knew 'twas he, yet silence fell, 
Nor could we break the tragic spell 
Which struck us dumb. At length a chief, 
Whom I had known, spake some relief : 
"My tongue reluctant moves," he said, 
" To tell the story of the dead — 
A nobler, greater voice he needs 
To breathe the glory of his deeds. 
When viking Gurth approached with gold 
To purchase peace the tale he told 
Was disbelieved ; the erlking's wrath 
Arose a tempest round his path 
And named him traitor to the Norse, 
Proclaimed with all his mighty force 
The castle should be sacked. The king 
Mistook the brothers, bade them bring 
Ignoble fetters. And then Gurth 
Appealing unto heaven and earth 
Hurled back the traitorous word and lie. 
We deemed that he was doomed to die. 
" O fair musician," spake the king, 
" We know that thou canst harp and sing 
Now we will judge if thou canst wield 
With equal skill the sword and shield." 
With that he called upon his aides 
For targes and a pair of blades. 

30 



GURTH 



Then urged a kinsman of the king : 
" It is unmeet you do this thing 
A slight mischance, a fatal thrust 
May turn an earlking into dust 
And wreck our cause, as kinsman true 
I beg to champion cause and you. 
There lies my glove if he denies 
That he is traitor, then he dies." 
Scarce had the gauntlet downward sank 
Ere Gurth had snatched it from the plank, 
And with a greater strength than grace 
Hurled glove and challenge in his face. 
Then Northern blood and Norway ire 
Flamed upward like a living fire. 
As lightning leaps upon his track 
When Thor is raging fierce and black 
So from the scabbards leaped the swords 
Of these unconquered Norway lords. 
Unrivaled skill and strength contend 
Till none may prophesy the end; 
Each strove with seasoned hand to start 
The life blood from a foeman's heart. 
Thus raged the duel three hours long 
Between the warriors skilled and strong 
Till mighty Gurth with giant's leap 
Rushed on and with a twisted sweep 
Hurled high his foeman's blade away 
And heard it drop within the bay. 
" Thy life is forfeit ! " uttered Gurth, 
"But since thou provedst a man of worth 

31 



STORY AN D SONG 



Thy Norseman's courage, strength and skill, 

I'll never let my weapon kill." 

Then spake the king : " Brave Gurth thine arm 

Hath guarded thee from mortal harm. 

The strongest swordsman of my fleet 

Thou didst with lordly courage meet. 

We will no longer war with thee — 

We can no longer doubtful be — 

Wilt thou abide by my right side 

To be my champion and my guide? 

Next to the king with skill and grace 

We pray thee take thy rightful place. 

Across the sea 'gainst Moslem foe 

We wait thy choice to bid us go. 

A single month of war or less 

Will bring thee home thy home to bless." 

Gurth wavered, and that moment cost 

His life and all the world he lost! 

He deemed our vessels anchored there 

A menace to this lady fair. 

Until the fleet had quit the shore 

He dare not call the danger o'er. 

Besides within his bosom lay 

A love o-f battle's fierce array. 

'Twas thus the royal wish prevailed 

And Gurth as king's companion sailed, 

Not doubting promised news was sent 

To bring this lady's heart content. 

What deeds he wrought, what chieftains fell 

Beneath his sword I may not tell — 

32 



GURTH 



The score Is in the minds of men 
Who saw him front the Scaracen." 

XXIV 

" Farewell ! brave Gurth, Valhalla's hall 
Hath opened to thy spirit's call, 
The gods of Odin, Frigga, Thor 
Have witnessed all thy deeds of war. 
'Twas thou who made thy heart a shield 
To erlking on the battle-field, 
And in thy bosom sheathed the lance 
That flew to meet the king's advance. 
Farewell! Thou man of highest worth, 
Farewell! forever, noble Gurth." 

XXV 

He paused a moment, then he said: 
" I leave thee, lady, with thy dead! 
The gold he brought to purchase peace 
Hath doubled by the swords increase; 
This treasure and a priceless gem — 
That graced a Kaliph's diadem — 
Are given though they are but dross 
If measured by your mighty loss. 
Our king hath sent his vow by me 
To never wage a war on thee." 
Thrice bowed he down and then withdrew 
Close followed by the sable crew. 

33 



STORY AND SONG 



XXVI 

When the setting sun was a shield of gold, 
We buried him down by the sounding sea; 

Where the murm'ring tide its stories told 
Of the changeful tide of humanity. 

Fronting the billows a monument stands 

Which is carven deep with his name and worth 

The casket is here, the soul in the hands 
Of One who ruleth o'er heaven and earth. 

XXVII 

Long were the days and full of pain — 
Hearts oft beating the same refrain. 
And days were blended into weeks 
Ere roses came to my lady's cheeks. 
Then Spring began to wake the blooms 
And bade them rise from lowly tombs, 
And flowering shrub and trilling bird 
Gladdened the eye and ear that heard. 

XXVIII 

Meanwhile my lady sought to teach 

My lips to lisp her native speech. 

And though the lesson hours were long 

They seemed as fleeting as a song. 

A dullard with tongue and pen 

Must oft repeat the task again. 

Sweet tasks they were, the volumes choice 

That waked the murmur of her voice. 

34 




My harp long silent now became 

A tongue for thoughts I dare not name. 



J 1, ' L ' i'.l. T ! !;,.< I >V ' M» l (Jl!.'y ' . ' ,V)l" ' .l ' ,a'. t ,<;t\t.'IMi. « JUT, ' 



« ' ■ .g. ' .ti.nnjjB jn y . .1 *. ' jmai 



GURTH 



For I a double language learned 
And treble was the treasure earned. 
While searching quaint Italian books 
I caught new meanings from her looks, 
A furtive glance, a sigh, a word 
The fondest hopes within me stirred. 
My harp long silent now became 
A tongue for thoughts I dare not name. 

XXIX 

Thus ran the year since Gurth was dead. 

At last my lady gently said : 

" Thou art a nobler kind of Gurth 

Like one new risen from the earth: 

The form is Gurth's, the soul thine own 

Bereft of all his harsher tone. 

Within a finer spirit reigns 

Washed clean of lawless crime and stains. 

Whilest thou hast caught a tongue from me 

My heart has been at school to thee. 

Since first I knew thou wert not Gurth 

I've learned to rightly weigh thy worth; 

Here are my lands, my flocks and herds, 

My bondsmen who obey my words 

My castle with supreme command 

I offer thee with heart and hand." 

Speechless I stood — no words were mine 

To answer such a gift divine. 

I knelt me down, I pressed her hands, 

Accepted neither halls nor lands, 

35 



STORY AND SONG 



Gave back the cattle on the plain, 
The sceptre of her rightful reign : 
"Thy love is all I seek," I said ; 
" I still will serve when we are wed. 
While love supreme through longest life 
Reigns o'er us both as man and wife. 



36 



KING EDGAR 

ARGUMENT 

Edgar the Peaceable, hearing that Elfrida, daugh- 
ter of the earl of Devonshire, was very beautiful, sent 
his courtier, Athelwold, to verify the rumor ; if true 
he W2LS to propose marriage on the monarch's behalf 
Struck by Elfrida's beauty Athelwold wedded her 
himself, and later reported that while wealthy her 
beauty was exaggerated. Doubting this report Edgar 
announced an early visit. In despair Athelwold 
begged his wife to appear in coarse attire with her 
beauty disguised. Elfrida at first consented but when 
the monarch arrived she approached with her ra- 
diant beauty enhanced by rich apparel and costly 
jewels. Seeing that Athelwold had deceived him the 
sovereign took Elfrida from him and made her queen. 
By this union Elfrida became the ancestress of nearly 
all subsequent sovereigns of England. This was 
Edgar's second marriage, his first was deemed by 
many unlawful. Soon after the wedding Athelwold 
was found dead. 

PROLOGUE 

*Twas spring-time in old England 

Near a thousand years ago, 
And roses red were blooming 

As we joy to see them blow, 

37 



STORY AND SONG 



The birds were praising sweetly 
From the alder and the bay, 

As we have heard them hymning 
In the forests of today. 

And hearts were full as human 

As those that drumming beat 
On floral broidered byways 

Or on our crowded street. 
For noble hearts and lowly, 

The monarch on the throne 
Are known to sense the passions 

Akin to those we own. 

For Love is still immortal 

And sets the soul aglow 
As once in merry England 

A thousand years ago. 
The hearts of man and maiden 

Are tempest tossed today 
As those of stormy Saxons 

In cycles far away. 

So you may read this story 

In chronicles of old. 
And faintly hear the echoes 

In recent annals told : 
For bowing low to beauty 

With very latest breath 
Man sounds the praise of woman 

For whom he welcomes death. 

38 




But sad the sovereign. 



KING EDGAR 



I 

Edgar, the peaceful, of great Alfred's line 
Is sovereign of England north to the Tyne, 
And west till waters of murmuring Dee 
Are won by wooing and sighing of sea. 
Here on its bosom the Saxon king rows 
With royalest crew that history knows ; 
Eight vassal monarchs threw scepters aside 
And rowed the Peaceable over the tide. 
So great his power, so mighty his reign, 
Even the fiercest marauders of main 
Never affronted ; his sinewy arm 
Engirdled the Isle like magical charm : 
Boldest of Northmen from Gallical raid 
Sheered off from harbors of Edgar dismayed. 
Valley and vale for abundant increase 
Sounded the praise of the monarch of peace. 

II 

But sad the sovereign, while bringing to all 
Richest of favors that heaven lets fall. 
Thrice blessing his realm, found little of rest 
For longing unnamed was gnawing his breast. 
In watches of night and glamor of day 
A face was present that would not away, 
Face of a maiden where roses were born, 
Yet fair as lily that opens at morn, 
She seemed a phantom to vanish with night ; 
When morning awoke she dazzled his sight. 

39 



STORY AND SONG 



The lily and rose that gardened her face 
Were mated and matched with marvelous grace. 
Such was the vision confronting him there, 
Though maids were many, surpassingly fair. 
And thronging his court no beauty could boast 
The features and form that seemed but a ghost; 
Distraught the king who through shadow and sheen 
Was seeking a wraith to crown her a queen. 

Ill 

The king called a courtier up to the throne 
A wave of the hand and twain were alone — 
Spake unto him : " Lord Athelwold, thane. 
Ever the friend of King Edgar remain ; 
When questioned the stars gave answer to send 
A lord a journey if he were a friend. 
Thy friendship I've nursed since rising to power. 
Of noble and knight thou seemest the flower. 
Mid thousands to flatter 'tis sad the throne 
Can never rest sure of friend of its own. 
My brother be thou, yea closer than he. 
For brothers oft covet scepters they see ; 
Be simply my friend, this title I bring 
The loftiest rank in gift of the king. 
Friend Athelwold knows as none others do, 
For oft I revealed my soul unto you. 
In darkness of night, in sunshine I've seen 
Winsome one fair who is fitted to queen. 
Last eve a friar with swelling acclaim. 
Gave to my vision a palace and name ; 

40 



KING EDGAR 



O'er earth he journeyed wherever there's sea 
And came a-singing her praises to me, 
Vowing the fairest in tower or town 
Is maiden waiting on Devonshire down : 
More marvelous still his wisdom can tell 
The form and features I've painted so well. 
Ere parted my lips astonished I hear 
Of lily and rose, orbs open and clear, 
Of tapering hand, a flower-like form 
Lithe as willow yet defiant of storm, 
Her tress a garment of golden sunshine, 
Down falling, robing her figure confine. 
And smiling o'er all beyond her control 
Half hidden, half shown her beautiful soul. 
The name of this peerless, dowerful girl, 
Elfrida of Devon, heir to the earl. 
Christened Elfrida, but beauty of heaven 
Rechristened the maiden Lily of Devon. 

IV 

Friend Athelwold hear, the cares of the state 
Have bound me to toil that cannot await 
The king's a servant whom none ever asks 
If he be weary the weight of his tasks ; 
Though weary and worn I may not this hour 
Seal to another the semblance of power : 
Thousands stand ready to grapple the crown 
If idly the king the bauble lay down. 
Therefore, my lord, I implore thee to seek — 
Though I might command, in friendship I speak 

41 



STORY AND SONG 



Speed thou to Devon, and on my behalf 
With wisdom akin to cunning and craft 
Lay to this Lily a seige of the heart ; 
While screening the monarch, playing a part, 
Deeply plumb nature though queenly her face 
She may be unworthy the throne to grace. 
May never own virtues rumor hath said 
To give England kings when Edgar lies dead. 
Thou wilt be wary while weighing her well 
Before your mission more openly tell. 
And thou wilt be faithful, faithful to death — 
Safe guarding each gesture, wording and breath ? 
From airiest nothings, frown or a sigh 
Tenderest love is soon drooping to die; 
Carry her jewels, this necklace and ring, 
Which you may bestow as gifts of the king : 
This hoop bears legend in symbol and sign 
To prove high descent from Saracen line, 
From Araby kaliph thro kaliph of Spain 
It came to hand of le roy Charlemagne, 
Then o'er the water to Egbert the king. 
Sovereign of England, safe journeyed the ring. 
It reads : " The owner to whom I come down 
Will find me a seed to grow to a crown." 
Keep it shall Devon or fairest or plain 
Discrowned is the king asking gifts again. 
In sending thee forth to woo me a wife, 
I'm trusting a friend with more than my life. 
For life swiftly flies, while trumpet of fame 
May ever resound with honor and name. 

42 



KING EDGAR 



With mine will be wedded, ever more seen 
Name of the maiden I crown as a queen. 
Once more be faithful, this Lily is mine 
If rumor be true, if false call her thine." 

V 

Young was the morrow when lord rode away, 
Monarch nor wooer would longer delay. 
He hastened through day, at even he sped, 
Staid him but little for victual or bed; 
Stalwart the charger and steady and strong 
That carried Athelwold gaily along. 
Squire and servant were left far behind 
For Athelwold rode with pace of the wind; 
He saw no primrose that broidered the way 
Nor noted hawthorns that scented the day. 
Heard not the thrushes the lark sang in vain 
As Athelwold galloped through forest and lane. 
What recked he of songs or flowers though rare. 
When Lily of Devon awaited him there. 
Three days he journeyed and half of a night 
Ere towers of Devon arose on his sight. 
The sun in splendor was sinking to rest 
Gilding a banner with Devonshire crest; 
High waved the pennon from crown of tower 
Defiantly boasting Devonshire's power. 
Adown the drawbridge, what need they to fear, 
No foeman was nigh, no danger anear. 
Descended the ward ; when Athelwold came 
Announcing his station, ranking and fame, 

43 



STORY AND SONG 



Portals flew open and Athelwold tall 

Safeguided entered the banqueting hall. 

Far on the dais the courtier beheld 

Masterful man who was wrinkled with eld, 

Defying all seasons, wisdom and might 

Burning in eyes that were flaming with light. 

Hidden by brows that were shaggy and raven; 

While snowiest locks and whisker unshaven 

Were framing a face deeply engraven 

With mystical signs from chisel of time, 

Hinting at struggle and whispering crime. 

While searching, groping for magical lore 

Of Druid and mage of ages before. 

And years of Devonshire's toiling and search 

Had severed him far from bosom of church. 

Travelers who journeyed in darkness of night 

Saw from his tower a devious light 

Streaming through blackness, while quivering air 

Seemed to give echoes to groans of despair. 

For wisdom he searched in passionate strife 

To riddle at length the secret of life ; 

Seeking a weapon, or shield of defense 

When angel of death should summon him hence. 

And there on feature and marvelous form 

Record was graven of study and storm. 



VI 



The usher announcing Athelwold's name 
Gave voice to titles, fair station and fame. 

44 



KING EDGAR 



"Welcome Lord Athelwold, welcome I bring 

To him whose station is near to the king ; 

But if art hither for pleasure's delight 

My lord was surely misguided tonight. 

Ancient the tower and gloomy the place 

That shelters the last of Devonshire's race. 

He who is master of moorland and hall 

Stands fronting the sea awaiting the call! 

Fearlessly watches with touches of pride 

For shadowy barge from over the tide, 

Then out through harbor and on to the west 

Orgar of Devon will hasten to rest. 

But thou art welcome, 'tis spending the breath 

To whisper an old man's boding of death; 

I only designed when put to the test, 

To warn yet welcome to Devon a guest." 

The words spake welcome but manner and tone 

Showed master content while dwelling alone; 

With sepulcheral voice potent to chill 

Warmest of words and the welcome to kill. 

VII 

Though cold the welcome the courtier advanced, 
Fearless of danger if danger there chanced. 
Nor noble nor knight in England's array 
Was braver than he who journeyed that day. 
The thane found supper the sewer had spread 
Kinder than greetings the master had said. 
And sav'ry dishes and generous wine 
Caused earl and the lord to discourse incline. 

45 



STORY AND SONG 



The first oft listened to annals well told 
Of monarch and court by Lord Athelwold. 
And pleased was courtier with Athelstane's might 
In battle which filled a day and a night, 
Where Orgar, the earl, while fronting a Dane 
Was scarred in the face ere foeman was slain. 
And late the hour ere master and guest 
Turned thoughts aweary to couches of rest. 

VIII 

Athelwold guided by servitor old 
Ascended the stairs, contented and bold, 
He had met the earl and conquered in part 
Deeper resentment hid in his heart. 
But hardly he paced in uppermost hall 
Ere vision appeared a heart to appall — 
Appalling at first for rumor had told 
Of magical art in Devonshire hold, 
And surmise arose the lord of the tower 
Was seeking to test his courage that hour. 
Sending dark specters his guest to affright 
While stalking to rest at nooning of night. 
Afar in blackness of midnight there came 
Shadowy maiden upholding a flame. 
Hooded and robed in the hue of the night, 
With tapering fingers only in sight, 
Wierdly she glided a serpentine way 
Chanting whilever a musical lay. 
Hither and thither remeasured the hall. 
Crooning and runing another to call. 

46 



KING EDGAR 



Then out of nethermost part of the gloom 
Answered a second and entered the room, 
Black hooded and cloaked with taper of light, 
Glided and measured from left unto right. 
Then circled the twain with arms intertwined 
With tapers aflare in move of the wind, 
Their number increased as forward they aim 
Full filling the hall with flickering flame. 
While echoing aisles with music resound 
Like murmuring ocean where grottoes abound. 
In circles advancing, with sirenous din, 
Screening and hiding a maiden within, 
Whose figure tallest, whose rounded arms white, 
Holding and swaying twin torches of light. 
Unhooded was she, her bosom was bare. 
While fallen, a robe, was marvelous hair ; 
Of gold it seemed woven mingled with light 
Such was the being that dazzled his sight ! 
He saw not her face, but partial her form 
Yet was reminded of glorious morn. 
When vanished the train, from sheltering niche 
He groped through hallway in darkness of pitch. 
And finding his room by servitor's light 
Visions were wafted surpassingly bright. 

IX 

The sun was robing fair earth with his beams 
Ere Athelwold rose from glorious dreams ; 
Again was ushered to banqueting hall 
Where Orgar of Devon awaited his call, 

47 



STORY AND SONG 



Who gave him good morn and trusted that night 
Had woven fair dreams till dawning of light. 
Athelwold answered that visions more rare 
Had never enchanted slumberer there, 
Nor could he give o'er how e'er it might seem 
That fairest beheld was more than a dream. 
Lord Athelwold ceased for tongue must be still 
When pictures enthrall and fetter the will, 
All other senses are dumb with surprise. 
And life is centered alone in the eyes. 
The tapestry trembled, open it swung, 
Revealing the cause that silenced his tongue. 
Rarest of hangings enveiling the door 
Enframed the maiden of even before ; 
White as a lilly yet roses grew there 
And reddened a cheek enchantingly fair. 
On threshold she paused a moment and stood 
Self-poised in the charm of sweet maidenhood; 
Swiftly bewitching, alluring the soul 
To yield the will to another's control. 
She staid a moment, her footsteps advance 
While Athelwold waked from out of a trance. 
" The Lily of Devon, the last of our race," 
Spake the earl j Athelwold greeted with grace. 
The courtier was piqued that castle-bred girl 
Though being the daughter of Orgar, the earl. 
Should show by a smile the glance of her eye 
Caused a king's courtier to stammer and sigh. 
Fair ladies he knew, sweet maidens by score. 
Yet none ever moved as this one before. 

48 




On threshold she paused a moment and stood 
Self-poised in the charm of sweet maidenhood. 



KING EDGAR 



" Ah father, Lily of Devon requests 
The pleasure of welcoming hither thy guests, 
And thou hast kept secret our castle did hold 
Thane of King Edgar, the Lord Athelwold." 
" Nay, daughter," began her sire, with pride ; 
" 'Twas eve when Athelwold finished his ride. 
Down was the day-star, the light of my bower 
Had banished herself to shrine in the tower. 
To robe as priestess in garments of white 
And train her maidens in service aright. 
' Twas unbeseeming when guest did appear. 
That I should disturb and summon her here ; 
Trusting my lord would not vanish away 
But wait a sunnier welcome to-day. 
Hoping thy greeting would prove a sweet power 
To bind a season in Devonshire tower." 

X 

Lord Athelwold said : " I'm doubly in debt 
For richest of blessings heart ever met ; 
Though hooded mine eyes, a heavenly voice 
Would welcome me blind and bid me rejoice, 
And were I but deaf the brightness I see 
Would still be warmest of greetings to me : 
With vision secure and hearing beside 
I beg with Devon awhile to abide. 
A gracious monarch hath granted thy guest 
Some days to loiter as seemeth him best, 
And I like miser, who searches for gold. 
Would seek a treasure in Devonshire hold; 

49 



STORY AND SONG 



The rumor hath flown to ends of the land 
That power abides in Devonshire's hand; 
That wisdom of Merlin, magic and power 
Are known to the lord of Devonshire tower. 
Like monarch perchance thou wilt grant to one 
A ray of wisdom that hither hath run." 

XI 

" Lord Athelwold, thane, all rumors that fly 

Of magical spells are naught but a lie. 

Those sleeping in tombs breathe nothing of worth, 

In flesh are bodied the fairies of earth ; 

No magic so mighty 'neath the blue sky 

As w^ritten and hidden in fair woman's eye. 

Wooing sweet wisdom, some secrets are mine; 

In alchemy's fires some metals I fine. 

Doubt not, my lord, there are words to be told 

Turning base metals to richest of gold. 

With coffers of gold ambition's a might 

To raise a fair youth to giddiest height — 

A hand is ambition heaven lets down 

To lift the courageous up to a crown. 

But lore of Merlin is learning of age. 

Wisdom comes late at the uttermost page ; 

And now I am old, with wisdom sublime 

I ne'er can hinder the scything of Time. 

Spite of much treasure and something of lore 

The days of Orgar are barely a score." 



SO 



KING EDGAR 



XII 

"Father, forego," urged the Devonshire heir. 
"Preach never again such creed of despair; 
Bright is the morning, no cloud in the sky, 
'Tis sweet to be living, if destined to die. 
I fear Lord Athelwold, hearing thy strain, 
May call for charger and journey again." 
"Nay, Lady of Devon, thy sire's sad word. 
Though painful to hear, is oftenest heard. 
The singer of morn lies silent at night, 
Blossom of noontide falls fading with light. 
Fairest of earthly in sunshine of God 
May sleep to-morrow in couches of sod. 
But deeper than wisdom the words ye say: 
' 'Tis sweet to be living even a day. 
And out in the sunshine breezes will bear 
Far on their pinions the minions of care.' " 

XIII 

Lily of Devon and the Lord Athelwold 
Passed out in the sunshine's glitter and gold, 
And dayshine faded ere Lily and thane 
Re-entered the castle for shelter again. 
But slow marched hours ere blessings of rest 
Lighted on him who was Devonshire's guest. 
Nameless and dreadful forebodings besiege 
A heart devoted to Edgar his liege. 
Bright was the morrow when courtier arose. 
Doubtful and fearful what eve would disclose. 

51 



STORY AND SONG 



Again they wandered earth's beautiful room, 
Where forests were gay with budding and bloom ; 
Listened to carol and fluting of thrush 
A-wooing a wife from blossoming bush ; 
Hearing the brooklet race tuneful away 
Through moorland and meadow down to the bay. 
Lord Athelwold told of monarch and court, 
His sovereign he praised in faithful report; 
Of noble and knight, of lady and squire, 
Lily of Devon seemed never to tire. 
This day's a copy of others that passed. 
While stronger and stronger fetters were cast 
That prisoned the courtier, weakened his power 
To sever away from Devonshire flower. 
Each night a courage and faithfulness grew 
To vanish at morn like traces of dew. 
Afar the Lily though fairest of fair 
Grew doubly enchanting present to share 
The sunshiny meadow, choirs and flowers. 
Nature conspiring to heighten her powers. 
One evening the moon was lending her light 
To silver the forest, moorland and height. 
While lord and lady together abide 
Lulled by the chant of the murmuring tide. 
Out o'er the deluge that billowing rolls, 
Drifting and drifting together their souls ; 
The crudest moon, abusing her power. 
Was binding with magic spirits that hour; 
And over the lord came wonderful peace, 
Commanding all struggle to vanish and cease. 

52 



KING EDGAR 



Old Ocean roared loudly, tauntingly said : 
" Courage, O courtier, is needed to wed." 
But into the hall crept specters of wrong 
To battle with right till coming of dawn. 

XIV 

One morn spake courtier : " Fair lady, I bring 
These treasures of beauty, gifts of the king : 
This jewel journeyed to heighten thy hand 
And this thy bosom by royal command. 
Now listen to madness, harken to me ! 
I offer my being and life unto thee; 
These also are baubles fame, fortune, and life 
If maiden of Devon be never my wife. 
Art silent, O Lily ? Thy heart oppressed 
With longing unspoken, nameless unrest? 
You may be destined through dangerous love 
To rise on a corse to station above. 
Dreaming you may be of highest renown ; 
Fate may be shaping your scepter and crown ; 
Hidden the future, mine eyes fail to see 
What Time is weaving fair Devon and me. 
But once you declared the gauds of the crown 
Are dust in the scales that love weighteth down. 
I offer thee love with life and my name. 
Yet nothing from thee can Athelwold claim. 
While kneeling to woo I trust that your lips 
The light of my hope and Hfe will eclipse. 
If Lily but say : ' Heart loveth thee not,' 
In death shall glory of earth be forgot. 

53 



STORY AND SONG 



On nethermost edge of being I stand 
Awaiting a word, one sign of command; 
No moan will I make, nor censure nor blame — 
I love, and therefore can never complain; 
Whatever thou givest, blessing or dole. 
Receives the sanction of me and my soul." 
She paused a moment awaiting to fling 
Rain from her eyes on the gift of the king, 
Gave but a glance to the glittering band 
Then to her lover her tapering hand. 
He needed no word, nor signal, nor sign — 
The smile that she lent was near the divine. 

XV 

Not lightly Athelwold yielded and fell, 
He fought full often the mightiest spell, 
Battled through hours of snail-footed night. 
Yet meeting defeat with dawning of light. 
He marshaled all forces captained by reason. 
Plainly they pointed his pathway was treason, 
But touch of the hand when moonlight lay still 
Routed the reason and prisoned the will. 
He strove for the king, but striving was vain; 
His soul cried aloud at torture and pain. 
In darkness he vowed the monarch must win. 
Each motive for self was treacherous sin ; 
Let morning arise and maiden advance — 
The king was unhorsed by Athelwold's lance. 
What mortal should boast : "" I never shall fail ; 
My virtues thrice clad in garments of mail, 

54 



KING EDGAR 



Howe'er temptation is armored to ride, 
I dare to battle whatever betide." 

For many be true from birth till they die 

Save a vast treasure come temptingly nigh ! 

Thus a sheaf of days Time gathered away 

Till Athelwold vowed no longer delay. 

The morrow he pledged to saddle and ride 

And beg the monarch the Lily for bride. 

Musing he spake : " Ev'ry vassal must bring 

All of his own to the feet of his king. 

Bow to the monarch in struggle and strife. 

Willingly yielding his fortune and life, 

Flinging all things away, trampling them down, 

Life, castles and lands for sake of the crown. 

But heaven itself has dowered the soul 

With rights surrendered to no man's control. 

And the king 's a man — in joustings of love 

Let victory fare to the favored above." 

So to the master he hastily said. 

As fearing resolve might weaken and ebb : 

" Fate is surely unkind sending me here 

With little of lore the aged to cheer. 

Now on the morrow, at breaking of day, 

I must leave my lord and hasten away. 

Regretfully I my journey retrace. 

And sadly I say : ' Farewell to your grace.' " 

XVI 

"Athelwold, pardon the man in the sire 
Bidding thee stay when you wish to retire ; 

55 



STORY AND SONG 



Fate may be unkind, or frowning or fair, 

But stars sent thee here to husband mine heir. 

Nor couldst thou prevent. 'Twas woven in soul, 

Transcending all bounds of human control. 

How unraveled I this ? Athelwold thane, 

Never a volume was lettered as plain ! 

I count not the lore of magi of old 

Save as you answer the prophecy told : 

' When Devonshire race is centered in one 

Great lord of the realm shall hitherward run. 

From Winchester town a treasure he brings 

To Devonshire heir, fair mother of kings.' 

I know Lord Athelwold loveth my girl ; 

Her hand is studded with marvelous pearl. 

The circle of gold in cunning design 

Is gift prophetic to scion of mine. 

Close drawn to Lily thou wilt not deny, 

For lips of Athelwold scorneth a lie. 

Behold how river is drawn to the sea ; 

Gaze now on flower alluring the bee ; 

Earth thirsty looks up and crieth aloud 

Till heavens give down the milk of the cloud; 

There are metals that tug the heart of a stone — 

Think ye your lordship is standing alone ! 

Must river yield all its treasure to tide? 

Must blossom grow sweets that bees may abide? 

Must clouds send harvests o'er valley and plain 

And you yield nothing? O, answer me, thane ! 

Why, even the stars, while lamping at night. 

Are marshaled and led in marvelous flight. 

$6 



KING EDGAR 



Thy blossom she is, sea, starlight and earth. 
Desired and longed for since moments of birth. 
Shall Nature, who belted all things by power. 
Be baffled and beaten in Devonshire tower ? 
Nay ! while man is summit and crown of all. 
He, too, though highest, is none but a thrall. 
Name I the numberless claims of mine heir: 
Virtue and beauty, the shine of her hair. 
Her princely estates, the riches of keep. 
To start Lord Athelwold out of his sleep ! 
With one step on the stair, claim as your own 
Second, to bring you anigh to the throne. 
With mine heir for spouse, my gold to allure, 
You surely might even a crown secure ; 
Near to a king who unlawfully wed. 
What hinders your reign when Edgar lies dead ? 
All numbered my days, mine hours are told 
When outward I sail from Devonshire hold; 
Ere vanishing I would dower the bride. 
Who holds in herself all Devonshire pride. 
This eve where moonlight illumines my bed 
The daughter of Devon will wait you to wed," 

xvn 

Bright moon was rising o'er Alington height. 
With courtier dreaming near nooning of night. 
But clouds were marshaling far in the west 
When servitor broke on Athelwold's rest. 
Into his presence with torches aflame 
Herald and warder to Athelwold came. 

57 



STORY AND SONG 



They robed him in green, they darkened his eyes, 
Naming the pleasure of gentle surprise. 
Then out afield he was silently led 
Till Druidical oak over him spread. 
Giant of ages though storm after storm 
Had tugged its branches and twisted its form. 
Here Athelwold's eyes were given again 
To see himself pent in circles of men. 
Twelve circles, each man with symbol abreast 
To mark a vassal of Devonshire crest. 
And centermost there beheld them unfurl 
Armorial banner of Devonshire's earl. 
High waving o'er him, who drawing each breath 
Was battling most fiercely demons of death. 
Lord Athelwold heard rejoicing and song. 
Eerily creeping on zephyrs along. 
Stronger and louder far voices acclaim. 
Mingling his own with Devonshire name j 
While o'er the meadow in moonlight there came 
Black robed procession with tapers aflame. 
Gliding and weaving fair shadows of night, 
With tapering fingers holding a light. 
Encircling onward around and around 
Lily of Devon with tresses unbound. 
Enrobed in a gown, the hue of the sky. 
Matching the blue in the deeps of her eye. 
Thus forward moved they till under the wood 
They girded around where Athelwold stood 
Near to the Lily, whose bridal array 
Created her fair as dawning of day. 

58 




Gliding and weaving fair shadows of night. 
With tapering fingers holding a light. 



KING EDGAR 



Spake masterful man of Devonshire tower : 
"I give her my lord, I give her with dower, 
That runs with Torridge and races the Dart, 
Exmoor and Dartmoor are parcel and part, 
From Elfracombe Bay to Bigbury sands, 
Tavistock, Tiverton hear our commands ; 
Tavy and Teign ye may rightfully claim. 
Treasure and castles of Devonshire name." 
In weakness paused he — the struggle severe - 
Yet rising from couch resembling a bier. 
Beckoned one forward, a being more eld. 
Than e'er had eyes of the courtier beheld. 
He towered aloft 'neath mistletoe bough. 
With countenance calm, a wonderful brow 
Deep rutted and wrinkled, written with years 
Of study which banished longing and fears. 
Snow is no whiter than vestments he wore, 
Woven with signs of Druidical lore. 
From sire to son his knowledge had run 
Down from ages ere the Saxon begun. 
Slowly to music hke murmuring rain 
With mystical rites he united the twain. 
No cross of the church nor miter was there. 
As Orgar was deemed a wizard of air. 
Symbol of earth was man, maid of the sky. 
Wed in purity with love from on high. 
Yonder the ocean in anthem of song. 
Yonder the forest the echoes prolong. 
Above them the blue, beneath them lay spread 
A rug of daisies, when Lily was wed. 

59 



STORY AND SONG 



But ere from wedding they journeyed them back 
The moon was shrouded with mantle of black. 
Still home through meadow came blithely the train, 
Joyously chanting a bridal refrain 
Into the banqueting hallway, the groom 
Proudly safe guarding his Devonshire bloom ; 
And Dawn rose-tinted the sky in the east 
Ere bride and the groom had quitted the feast. 

XVIII 

As they departed, shrill clarion call 
Startled all inmates of tower and hall. 
Unasked to Devon a messenger came 
And summoned the groom in the sovereign's name 
" The king and nobles in knightly array 
Await your lordship at Bigbury Bay. 
Answers are vain — you must saddle and ride. 
Away though it be from virginal bride.'* 
The bride was in sorrow, the groom saw the sign j 
He pledged his love in a goblet of wine; 
Fondly he folded her form in embrace. 
Lightly his lips touched the bloom in her face. 
Then, vowing return ere close of the day. 
He mounted his steed and galloped away. 
He spared not the charger nor spur nor whip 
Till seeing the haven girdling the ship. 
Praying and urging the courser to bring 
Master perplext to the feet of the king, 
A miser of moments hoarding the time 
Though rider and horse were mottled with grime. 

60 



KING EDGAR 



Warder was ready awaiting the thane 
And ushered him in as slackened the rein. 

XIX 

"Lord Athelwold, thane," said monarch who reigned, 
"Hast ever the friend of Edgar remained. 
Or art thou traitor with ravenest heart 
Enmasking to play a villainous part? 
A mission I gave; now bring me the truth, 
For hope there's little of shriving or ruth." 
Down sank Athelwold haggard and old, 
And this to monarch most haltingly told : 
" Sovereign, a child is unable to bear 
Burdens an elder may toss in the air; 
Unyielding, he seeks by tugging at length 
To carry a weight surpassing his strength. 
Knowing naught of weakness till end of test — 
May die in struggle at sire's behest. 
A child kneels lowly, O Sovereign of State, 
To tell of burden he fears was too great. 
Like youth he ventured till waters above 
Have sunken him deep in ocean of love. 
Thou sentest me forth a burden to bring — 
To judge if maiden be fit for the king, 
Labor far greater than ever my power — 
Tastes differ, my king, as flower from flower. 
What pleasures one sight brings pain to another, 
What nourishes me may weaken a brother. 
What is fair to eye of vassal may bring 
Not delight, but loathing, when seen by king. 

6i 



STORY AND SONG 



Sweet music, to some, is honey of joys; 
To those discordant, it wholly annoys. 
Beauty herself is a creature of minds — 
Outer is only what inner one finds, 
A shading of hair, a curve of a line 
Makes homely to one, to others divine. 
Great nations have passed and monarchs have died 
For beauties others could hardly abide. 
Broaden a feature or slender it down, 
Queen Beauty is reft of scepter and crown; 
Change but a hair-breadth, though nothing it harms. 
The Fairy hath fled with magical charms. 
How, then, could I vow the Devonshire maid — 
Though fair in mine eyes and virtue-arrayed — " 
Could fill the orbs of my king with delight 
Had I dared to present her fore him to-night ? 
Though lighting my hall, her beauty might shine 
With little luster in palace like thine; 
Her hair may ensnare a courtier, I vow. 
But never enmesh great monarch as thou. 
True, she hath gold and vast treasure at hand — 
These if thou deignest are thine to command. 
So starry the height is majesty seen. 
Only the royal seems fitted to queen ; 
Then why should mightiest monarch of earth 
Husband a maiden less royal of birth? 
In France dwells princess of Charlemagne's line, 
And one waits wooer o'er waters of Rhine ; 
Choose thou among kindred, king from a king. 
From royalest blood let mightiest spring, 

62 



KING EDGAR 



And leave to thy vassal, who offers his life, 
Devonshire maid he hath taken to wife." 

XX 

"What said Lord Athelwold ! say not again! 
That thou art falsest 'n.ong races of men, 
Even have dared in Devonshire tower 
To rival thy king and mate with his flower. 
Surely you saw in some feature, her eyes. 
Traces of beauty, then grasped at the prize. 
Thine orbs were not thine, all visions were mine 
For me they beheld her beauty ashine — 
Thine eyes but mirrors to mirror to me 
Feature and form that they seemed but to see. 
If your ear caught notes of caroling voice, 
*Twas justice that I alone should rejoice. 
If you touched for self such touches defile. 
All mine the harvest of blessing and smile. 
The love you sensed in your innermost part 
Was woven of throbs that beat in my heart. 
Stark naked you stand — no shield of defense — 
For monarch was I of every sense. 
As you rob me of heaven, blessing thyself. 
Why prate of the theft of paltrier pelf? 
Why mention the dross when deeps of your soul. 
Emotions and thoughts, were mine to control ? 
My presence depart, swift fleeting the hours 
Till meeting again in Devonshire towers." 



63 



STORY AND SONG 



XXI 

Lord Athelwold raced as racer for life 
Till, seated beside his beautiful wife, 
Spake to the Lily : " The King of the Isle 
Comes hither, lady, to tarry awhile. 
And if *twill please you to humor me now, 
I pray you darken your snowy-hued brow, 
Banish the roses abloom in your face. 
Your bosom with coarsest fustian enlace. 
These wonderful locks unrivaled by peer 
I beg most swiftly you harvest with shear. 
With pigments of brown your fairness efface 
And mask a season your willowy grace." 
" My lord," said the Lily, " pray thee explain. 
Why darken my brow, and roses unstain ? 
Has innocent hair been guilty of treason. 
To perish at once without rhyme or reason ? 
Why, even a hind feels pleasure and pride 
In grace that arrays his virginal bride. 
What crime is so base that in the king's eyes 
I must amble a drudge in sloven's disguise ? 
'Tis said sweet beauty is scepter and power ; 
Must I cast her off in Devonshire tower?" 
"True beauty enchants," said Lord Athelwold, 
" But graces of mind are the anchors that hold ; 
Virtue enfetters when beauty is gone. 
Which vanishes oft twixt twilight and dawn. 
But, lady, time urges ; I bow unto thee 
And pray you garner your beauty for me, 

64 



KING EDGAR 



For even the king may yield to thy charm 
And bring upon spouse the deadliest harm. 
Fair Lily, recall the pearl on your hand 
Was hitherward borne at monarch's command; 
And seeing thee fair, as fair as thou art, 
May follow this gift with gift of his heart. 
If other should woo — one greater than I — 
How then would Lily of Devon reply ? " 
"I would say to king, that I am a wife, 
Holding honor and name dearer than life. 
Since danger, you deem, approaches the tower 
I'll hie me away to rose-hidden bower. 
And maidens may there with murderous skill 
All of my beauty most cruelly kill." 

XXII 

Lord Athelwold waited, weary and worn — 
Anxiously waited the sound of a horn ; 
He tarried not long till seneschal came 
With word to make ready in sovereign's name. 
"The king is nearing, the bright retinue 
Is hardly a league from Devonshire view." 
Meanwhile in blossoming rose-burdened bower 
The fairest of England was weeping that hour; 
With her sweet maidens were mingling their tears 
Ere beautiful locks were slain by the shears. 
They fondly caressed silk fibers of gold 
As misers caress the treasures they hold. 
Anear came a knight, who lighted to ground. 
Beholding amazed such tresses unbound. 

6s 



STORY AND SONG 



So sadly she wept he prayed her to speak 
The sorrowful cause that showered her cheek. 
Lily of Devon, twixt sobbing and sigh, 
To stranger betrayed why beauty must die. 
Reasoned the rider: "Is beauty a curse. 
Ivy to banish or blossom to nurse? 
Surely your spouse should well ponder again 
Ere banning for all this fairness from men. 
The king hath gold to do as he please 
But where is the mart for features like these? 
If priced a kingdom, a scepter and throne. 
He might barter them all for tresses alone. 
I pray, fair lady, thy purpose give o'er. 
Destroy not blessings that none can restore. 
Near am I to king, who cometh the hour 
To rest a season in Devonshire tower. 
And pledge thee his faith by sainted above 
He journeys alone on mission of love — 
Love holy and pure as maiden heart feels 
Bowed at communion, she worshiping kneels. 
I beg, I command, an hour of time 
Ere finger dares move to traitorous crime." 
He mounted his steed and loosing the rein 
Rode swiftly to lead the sovereign's train. 
Ere ever the sands marked flight of an hour 
Monarch and retinue entered the tower. 

XXIII 

Spake sovereign to thane : " If heaven be just 
How couldst thou destroy all traces of trust, 

66 



KING EDGAR 



Trample on friendship, thy monarch disdain 

By touch unholy and longings profane? 

'Tis treason unpardon'd to think of the queen, 

And she was sovereign though never yet seen ; 

Round her the banner, the buckler, and su^ord 

Of England's monarch, thy masterful lord." 

Athelwold answered: "My lips touched her cheek. 

Bringing me heaven that heareth me speak. 

And swear the Lily of Devon's as pure 

As when hither I rode her hand to secure. 

But if thinking, dread king, be treason vile, 

I pray you prison the Lily's sweet smile; 

Else wherever seen, or saddened or gay, 

Treason will follow as certain as day. 

But now the Lily's as perfect a flower 

As any abloom in paradise bower. 

Scarce wedded were we ere entered the hall 

Thy messenger warm with summoning call. 

Commanding that I should saddle and ride 

The instant I heard, whatever betide. 

One moment I folded the Lily in arms 

Then away, away from virginal charms. 

If king deign enter a tourney with me 

We'll wait decision whose spouse she will be. 

By all that I am, or should be, I swear 

She's never my wife till so she declare. 

St. Dunstan is near to swiftly enforce 

A judgment you hear decreeing divorce. 

E'en this perchance is unneeded to shore 

Marriage of twain by Druidical lore. 

67 



STORY AND SONG 



Again let her choose the king on the throne 
Or knight who offers affection alone.'" 
Consented the king to Athelwold's word, 
And soon the judgment of Dunstan was heard. 

XXIV 

The Lily was summoned; tapestried hall 

Gave way as she entered, graceful and tall ; 

No pigment was there her fairness to brown ; 

In waves her tresses rolled shiningly down, 

A ribbon of snow the golden locks bound 

Looping a measure from touch of the ground. 

Noblest of maidens and haughty dames proud 

Gave space to vision that parted the crowd. 

Stately she glided in garments of white 

Nor glanced to the left nor yet to the right, 

Journeyed straight onward toward monarch and thane, 

The gallants of England forming a lane; 

Courageous in heart but rose-color failed. 

Seeing how Athelwold suddenly paled. 

Then crimsoned her face as knight of the bower 

Rose high o'er highest, the monarch of power. 

At foot of the dais adaze with surprise 

A minute she paused and lowered her eyes. 

Till king held her hand with courtliest grace 

And gallantly throned her next to his place. 

XXV 

"Fair lady and judge," the royal voice said 
While silence brooded like living were dead, 

68 



KING EDGAR 



" In fairy-land kingdom where heaven weds earth 

There bloomed a flower of infinite worth : 

Only one blossom like this one abloom, 

With it the king sought to garnish his room. 

Fair flowers he knew, exceedingly rare. 

But this the fairest — surpassingly fair. 

But being weighed down by burdensome power. 

Unable himself to ride for the flower. 

Sent servant instead, and calling him friend 

Besought him that he would faithfulness lend. 

To ride a journey till blossom so bright 

Should burst on orbs as to dazzle their sight. 

Servant went forward until he did find 

The beautiful bloom the king had in mind; 

But scorning the crown, disdainful of power, 

He wickedly plotted theft of the flower. 

Impious fingers forgetful of chief. 

Touched petal and stem and marvelous leaf; 

His breath drank fragrance belonging to king. 

Soon would the flower have quit blossoming. 

These rumors ran rife to end of the land. 

And servant was summoned by royal command. 

Then out of base lips by might of his power 

He wrung confession concerning the flower. 

Unsatisfied then; for never again 

Will he own rich faith in friendship of men ; 

Breeding suspicion, he hastened away 

To ride to that land as fast as he may; 

Arriving aright at fairy-land bower. 

Saw with amazement that wonderful flower. 

69 



STORY AND SONG 



While yearning to seize and save its perfume, 

Beauty and brightness to heighten his room, 

He doffs a season majestical power, 

Yielding a throne to that beautiful flower. 

Fearing the blossom might wither and die 

If secret longing the king should defy — 

Though rightfully his, all rights he resigns 

To ask the blossom which way it inclines. 

And vows by the cup Sir Galahad saw 

To sanction its choice by might of the law. 

Ere blossom shall aught of decision declare. 

The king would secret most willingly share. 

Through marches of days and midnight's lone hours, 

In visions he saw this fairest of flowers; 

The visions confirmed by rumors that came 

To dower the flower with bower and name. 

Since monarch has come and monarch has seen 

Would make of blossom a spouse and a queen. 

He loved it afar, and now it is near 

In flood-tides of love 'tis treble as dear. 

Thus quitting the throne, and bowing him down, 

He ofl^ers this blossom love and a crown." 

XXVI 

The monarch bent low, and Athelwold knelt. 
Not lifting sad eyes for glances he felt. 
Spake never a word, excuse he had none 
Save love led onward to all he had done. 
She paused some moments, full deeply her sigh. 
While tears fell waiting a husband's reply ; 

70 



KING EDGAR 



She knew Love was blind, alas ! was he dumb, 

Or did danger appall and silence the tongue? 

"O Sovereign of State," breathed Devon at last, 

"The days of my wooing forever are past. 

For I am a wife, my husband kneels there 

Whose woe and welfare Fm plighted to share." 

Said monarch with frown: "Two lovers kneel down, 

Choose thou the vassal or monarch with crown. 

Thine husband that was hath put to the test 

The claim that Devon still loveth him best; 

Hath sworn by himself thy choice to abide 

Ere ever again he claims thee as bride." 

Ah, then, did Lily of Devon divine 

Why husband forebore a word or a sign; 

Facing a monarch he may not defy 

Though ready and willing in battle to die. 

Love tugged at her heart but him she resigned 

To follow the path to safety inclined; 

She sacrificed life to ransome a life 

By yielding herself to the monarch as wife. 

Then Devon began: "Be it evermore known 

I loved him, O king, more than scepter and throne. 

But thou art monarch, by Monarch above 

Sent hither to rule our life and our love. 

To my sovereign I yield: let memory keep 

Love's fragrance till death shall woo me to sleep. 

All, all that I am to thee I resign. 

And pray thee sweet mercy for him that was mine. 

May it never be said Edgar did bring 

Vengeance on him who dared rival the king. 



71 



STORY AND SONG 



As God hath kept me in virtue serene 
So shall I be faithful as wife and a queen." 
She raised the monarch by sign of command 
And gave to his own her lily-hued hand. 



72 



EPILOGUE 



EPILOGUE 

Again sweet Spring has whispered 

To blossoms underground, 
Again the buds are bursting 

With mystery profound: 
A woman stands a-weeping 

Enwrapt in growing gloom, 
And drops a sheaf of lilies 

Upon a lowly tomb. 

Her stature fair and stately. 

Her roses rich and rare, 
But crowning all her beauty 

Is the glory of her hair. 
She singly drops the blossoms 

And with each bloom a tear 
For him who died at Devon, 

While royal pair was near. 

In vain a monarch's mercy 

Gave pledge to queenly wife, 
In vain the tears of Devon 

To call him back to life. 
While golden orb was sinking 

His spirit sadly fled. 
The very day the Lily 

The peaceful monarch wed. 

73 



STORY AND SONG 



Not all the glare and g;litter 

Encompassing a throne. 
Can woo away the hunger 

Of human heart alone; 
And queen may be as lonely 

As any widowed dove, 
And mourn herself a widow 

By the sepulcher of love. 



74 



THE CENTURY 



THE CENTURY 

Read before the Progress Circle New Years Eve, 

1900. 
Open your ponderous portals, O Time ! 
Oh, open your gates to a cycle sublime — 
Open them swiftly, for the races of men 
Are awaiting thy signal ere marching again. 
Legions are pausing 'twixt the old and the new, 
While the pageant of years sweeps by in review. 
A century past, and the babe of that day 
Is drowsily dreaming the moments away ; 
He awakens in youth pondering a dream 
Of the marvelous light beginning to gleam : 
In manhood, a giant, with sinewy brawn 
To wrestle Dame Nature till coming of dawn ; 
All night is the battle; when darkness is past, 
The Dame gives her scion a blessing at last. 
Now wrinkled and grizzled, a hundred years old. 
He totters and halts, while his triumphs are told ; 
Smiles proudly and cries, as a conqueror ought : 
" Behold, O my children, the wonders I wrought ! 
My creatures belch fire through the watches of night. 
And carry you swift as an eagle in flight ; 
I have shrunken the earth till oceans are lakes ; 
I catch every cry that humanity makes ; 
Over mountainous heights and under the sea 
Run nerves of the world till they center in me; 

75 



STORY AND SONG 



A touch of the wire and I banish the gloom; 

I hear voices afar as if in the room, 

And even my dead, as they sleep in the tomb, 

Still speak to the quick as though buried too soon : 

Through wireless air mystic messages come ; 

In depths of the deep my leviathans run ; 

Vast islands I formed of a continent grand. 

And the seas went marrying at my command ; 

On the shoreless, the treacherous air I float 

And laugh at the wind waves that threaten my boat. 

With the lightning my thrall three kingdoms I own: 

Earth and water and air acknowledge my throne. 

I have pictured the heart still throbbing with pain. 

But the soul — ah, the soul ! — I' ve hunted in vain. 

I have mastered the cipher graven on stone 

By the finger of God, and humbly I own 

I plumb with amazement the deeps of His plan 

In launching the earth as a vessel for man, 

Enladening her deeply with iron and coal. 

Seaming the mountains with His silver and gold. 

Fringing the rivers with the whispering wood. 

And sowing the valley with spices and food, 

O'er-spreading our room with a magical loom 

And tinting the pattern with beauty of bloom. 

Then placing His children abroad in their prime. 

They start on a voyage supremely sublime : 

On etherial sea, afloat in a ship 

And sailing a marvelous, measureless trip. 

With a meteor's speed 'twixt Venus and Mars, 

Earth runneth a race on the track of the stars. 



76 



THE CENTURY 



" Small wonder that he who hath conquered this ball, 
Who hath reached to the stars and measured them all, 
Who hath creatures to sing, to speak and to nod. 
Claims kinship anear to the infinite God! 

" But I humble myself when weighing the crime — 
Oh the sorrow and shame that men say are mine. 
And the lowly and poor, who starving and cold. 
See the coffers of wealth, o'erflowing with gold; 
And I sigh with remorse as memory shows 
That I am a century cycle of woes. 
The war drums still throbbing and murder again. 
Is redd'ning the earth with the blood of the slain; 
I tremble to think that the Father above 
Hath never repealed His commandment to love ; 
And marvel to know the foremost in worth 
Are foremost in slaying their brothers of earth." 

Thus speaketh the century dying to-night. 
So boastful yet humble, so wrongful yet right. 
The mightiest wizard of centuries eld. 
The wisest magician Time ever beheld ; 
Yet we who are watching his ultimate breath 
Feel neither a pang nor regret at his death. 
We are glad the past will be buried at last. 
Though mighty the drama and splendid the cast. 
We are children of light, and, facing the dawn. 
Are waiting the word to march onward and on. 
Faithfully trusting there are triumphs in store 
Greater and grander than this century bore. 

77 



STORY AND SONG 



Neither prophet am I, nor even the son 
Of prophetical sire ; yet over me come 
Fair visions of brightness that shine as the sun, 
Engilding earth's shadows with magical beam, 
And painting the future a rose-colored dream. 
So happy are people that praises of men 
Discourage all language and baffle my pen. 
Words ! words are as ashes disguising a fire, 
Or clothing a goddess in beggar's attire. 
But joyous the planet with joys from above, 
For the Spirit of Good broods earth as a dove ; 
War's music is ended ; the music of praise 
Now lightens and sweetens the labor of days ! 
Gaunt famine has vanished ; no more is it said 
The children beg vainly a mother for bread ; 
There's daily a banquet to ends of the earth. 
Where the highest give place to the lowly of birth ; 
The poorest are rich, and the richest content. 
When labor and harvest are equally sent, 
God's velvety tapestry, woven for earth. 
Grows fairer with flowers of infinite worth — 
There the children who delved are joyously heard 
To rival the music of caroling bird. 
No doorways are barred, no one seeketh by stealth. 
For each hath enough, and enough meaneth wealth. 
Fair cities are rising, surpassingly grand ; 
Neither palace nor hut is marring the land ; 
No hungry nor homeless is thronging the street. 
No maiden is sold for a morsel to eat j 



78 



THE CENTURY 



Hearts harder than iron were melted and ran 

To succor the vestal and sorrowful man ; 

Harsh Levite and prelate departed, and then 

A nation was born of Samaritan men. 

Diseases are passing, for worry and dread 

Are harvesters fierce in the field of the dead ; 

Even death is delayed ; an angel of bliss 

He Cometh when age is aweary of this; 

And lifts in his arms and soothes with his hand, 

And gently transports to a neighboring land. 

Dame Nature is harnessed now, willing to yield. 

As the drudge of the shop, the household and field ; 

Skillful creatures man-made are tilling the sod. 

While genie of all is co-worker with God, 

In highest of wisdom is tracing his plan 

In making this planet a heaven for man. 

Think ye a century is too brief a time 

For man to enjoy such a vision sublime ? 

Must the race still plod on through error and tears 

And suffer in shame for unlimited years ? 

I say to you : Nay ; we are garnering power, 

Like a century plant that blooms in an hour. 

Or as comets out of the infinite run. 

For eons of ages, approaching the sun. 

When nearing God's taper their marvelous flight 

Grows swifter and swifter, till speeding like light. 

After rounding their goal they measure their pace 

Like charger that cools, after winning a race. 



79 



STORY AND SONG 



For numberless years, out of folly and crime 
Humanity's race has been learning to climb ; 
So painful its progress, so slothful at first, 
Now faster and faster, as greater the thirst 
For wisdom that serves ; we are rounding the goal 
To brotherhood vast of which God is the soul. 
Our mother is rich ; 't is the fault of some child 
Who is cruel, relentless, savage and wild ; 
'Tis he who has minted the hearts and the tears 
Of lowlier brothers through measureless years ; 
Persuade him to justice, the world stands redeemed. 
And ready for visions a dreamer hath dreamed. 
Now open, O Time, your double-leaved gate — 
Oh, hasten, your children impatiently wait — 
Let enter the light and fair wisdom sublime, 
Turn backward avarice, passion and crime; 
Inviting sweet peace and bright progress within, 
Bar forever the wars, diseases and sin ; 
Forbidding the wrongful with falsehood's foul stain, 
Crown Honor and Right fair sovereigns to reign. 

The hammer is trembling, so eager to fall ! 
When earth shall fly on like swift cannon-ball; 
No moment is wanting : now cometh the morn. 
Harken ! behold ye! the Century's born. 



80 



CALIFORNIA'S GREETING 



CALIFORNIA'S GREETING AT THE 
WORLD'S FAIR 

From home beside Balboa's sea 

I bring sweet greetings, sisters fair, 

And prayers that ye will pardon me, 
If I your honors seek to share. 

Columbia brave, thy daughters all 
Are sovereigns, yet to thee we bow, 

And ask that as a blessing fall 

This golden chaplet on thy brow. 

And other rulers of the world 

Are sending here a countless fleet, 

With every royal flag unfurled 

To pour earth's treasures at thy feet. 

With one accord and modest worth, 
With warmest heart and open hand. 

We bid the nations of the earth 

Thrice welcome to our favored land. 

Let every island of the sea. 

Let every land beneath the sun, 

Hear welcome now as full and free 
As rendered since the world begun. 

Bring all the garnered fruits of toil. 
Bear hither all you treasure most : 
8i 



STORY AND SONG 



Old Father Time, I bid you spoil 

Of everything that makes him boast. 



I know the worth of young and old 
In this fair sisterhood of state, 

Yet pray you deem me none too bold 
If I my partial claims relate. 

I pledge you in this golden cup — 

A gift from one of countless mines — 

And quaff a nectar gods might sup. 
The earnest of unnumbered vines. 

Broad fields of wheat and orchard deep 
Extend o'er valley, hill and plain ; 

While orange bloom with sweet perfume 
Makes zephyrs sigh to come again. 

I cannot paint my gorgeous skies. 

Nor trace the constant glow and gleam. 

Where Nature revels and defies 
The painter in his wildest dream. 

Yosemite ! supremely grand, 

Thy poet true is yet unborn 
To picture with a master hand 

Thy glories on a vernal morn. 

For mortals stand in wondering awe 
And know all living tongues must fail 
82 



CALIFORNIA'S GREETING 

If, madness lured, they seek to draw 
The peerless falls of Bridal Veil. 

Where granite mountains upward creep 
Till, Babel built, they touch the sky; 

And waters sweep in mighty leap 
To Mirror Lake, there calmly lie. 

This jewel gleaming on my breast, 

Encircled by a rim of snow 
Asleep on giant mountain crest. 

Reflects the charms of Lake Tahoe. 

Mt. Wilson's brow is wreathed with snow. 
His foot is shod in olive green. 

While mimic snow of orange blow 
Crowns every vale and valley seen. 

Your sun is hidden by the west, 
Mine lingers o'er the Golden Gate 

To kiss the maids he loveth best 
While other lands his beams await. 



I crave your pardon if you think 
I speak with boldness nearly rude. 

And seek to show you many a link 
That drew me to your sisterhood. 

For centuries asleep I lay. 

And seemed but only half awake, 

83 



STORY AND SONG 



When near my San Francisco Bay 
I heard the guns of Francis Drake. 

Soon after, when the Fathers came 

And taught my wayward children well, 

I could not all my senses claim 

But in a dreamland seemed to dwell. 

For such the peaceful life they led 

With flocks and herds on plain and hill, 

I did not rouse me from my bed 

Nor feel my senses throb and thrill. 

Then rumor ran of coming strife. 
My heart became a warmer font. 

And I arose to stranger life 

To clasp the hand of brave Fremont. 

A grander stride of joy and pain 

I marched when in my mountains old. 

As yellow veins were rent in twain 
Ran freely with my virgin gold. 

Deep in my rocky vaults I kept 
The treasures that in later years 

Enriched the world as o'er me crept 
The brave and hardy pioneers. 

I pray you just a moment stay. 

And sweep from mem'ry all the rest. 

For all I have must homage pay 

To Native Daughters of the West. 

84 



CALIFORNIA'S GREETING 

These peerless prizes of my State 
Unrivaled rank where waters run; 

And each will hardly find a mate 
Save mated to a Native Son. 



Consider, too, the bounds I own 

To make me proud among the great - 

While riches hitherto unknown 

Have christened me the Golden State. 

Bold Shasta lifts his pond'rous shield 
Along my northern line to guard, 

While eastward as on battle field 
Nevada's giants watch and ward. 

A canyon vast, a desert wide 

Keep well my southern boundary. 

And Neptune with his grandest tide 
To westward boweth down to me. 

A million million pennant pine 

Rise armed a lance from out the sod. 

To keep these virgin charms of mine 
For men who only feared their God. 



I own no wish your sight to blind 
With jewels rare and golden fruit; 

I value these, yet bear in mind 

My proudest triumphs are of truth. 

8s 



STORY AND SONG 



The torch Prometheus lit on high, 

Here brightly beams on mountain peak, 

As Barnard meets the starry sky 
In merry game of hide-and-seek. 

His stellar friends he names by name. 
And with his powers yet abloom 

Has won himself a mighty fame 
By finding Jove a hidden moon. 

I shall not try your patience kind 
Recounting all the wealth I hold — 

Come, come to me and you will find 
One-half my charms are still untold. 

O voice of river, rill and lake ! 

Join in the anthem of the sea 
And every sound in nature wake 

To chant thy praise Oh Liberty! 



86 



TO MY MOTHER 



TO MY MOTHER— HER 77TH BIRTHDAY 

They say another year has fled 

And you should seem some older, 
More white upon your honored head 

Your pulse a trifle colder. 
They claim that Father Time should set 

Some hieroglyphic letter, 
And spell with his quaint alphabet 

The years that you are debtor. 

But as we search your gracious face 

No recent lines are graven, 
No needless snow has come to grace 

The locks that still are raven. 
Your step is like a woman's prime. 

Your laugh as light as ever, 
Have you then made a league with Time 

To be your friend forever? 

Has he whose touch brings frequent grief. 

Whose signs foretell a sorrow. 
Agreed to grant you sweet relief 

On each returning morrow? 
Whate're the secret of thy youth 

Our gladness we are voicing — 
These lines but echo back the truth 

Of hearts that throb rejoicing. 

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STORY AND SONG 



But we believe the kindness shown 

To children and to neighbor 
Has now a golden harvest grown 

Of blessings for your labor. 
Your tender charity and love 

To mortals freely given 
Have fruited as a tree above 

In joys akin to heaven. 

For what we sow we also reap, 

Both here and the hereafter, 
And you, while many sow to weep. 

Have sown for love and laughter, 
You scattered seeds of joy for all 

And knew not you were sowing. 
But One, who notes a sparrow's fall. 

Has watched your harvest growing. 

'Tis this that kept the raven hue 

While younger locks grew whiter. 
And brought a bounding pulse to you 

And made your eyes the brighter. 
'Tis this that kept your heart so light; 

For life is like a mirror 
That sendeth smiles for smiling bright, 

And love for loving dearer. 

For ever thus the living thought 
Weaves faces fair or homely— 

They're sweet if we have rightly wrought 
And sad if we are lonely. 
88 



TO MY MOTHER 



And though the cloudlets now and then 
Robbed hours of joy and gladness ; 

The sun arose, and you again 
Felt just a touch of sadness. 

And now, O Time, as on you run 

Be constant in your giving 
Sweet smiles unto our loving one 

And keep her with the living. 
For this your children pray for you 

And while we kneel confessing, 
That underneath the arching blue 

Thou art our greatest blessing. 

A benizen from heaven above 

For which deep thanks are owing. 
To lead us on by deeds of love 

The way that thou art going; 
To ever lead till we are through 

With earth and all its favors. 
And joined again in heaven with you 

Surrounded by your neighbors. 



89 



STORY AND SONG 



THE BEHYMER LIBRARY 

Heaven bless the man who rears the family dome; 
Heaven bless the wife whose virtues make it home ; 
May blessings fall again when by their care 
A world of wisdom hath assembled there. 
Behold famed poets, bards of every age, 
The work of genius bright' ning many a page, 
And brave romance, the drama grave and gay 
In order stand their treasure to display. 
These are the rulers of a changeful world ; 
Great kings are nameless dust, their empires hurled 
Into oblivion; but Homer blind 
Still leads ; great Plato, monarch of the mind. 
Is reigning king, his barefoot teacher's word 
Searching for truth around the sphere is heard. 
Here Fancy lures us through the fairest field 
To see King Arthur armed with lance and shield; 
Hear his weapon clang, sense the rocking ground 
The rush of steeds and watch the victor crowned, 
Another scene — sweet Freedom marches on 
With bleeding feet from bloody Marathon. 
Then hosts of martyrs crowding swiftly by 
We close our eyes lest we behold them die. 
Oh, babbling books ! oh, volumes deep profound ! 
Ye prove the world is naught but hallowed ground 
Filled with the ashes of the mighty past 
That died to save us from the grave at last. 
Eternal spirits here ye still abide 
To aid, to comfort and our lives to guide. 

90 



KOKINA 



KOKINA 

Kokina, the fair, was a maiden 
Dwelling by the Yellow Sea, 

Where breezes with whispers were laden 
Foretelling of trials to be. 

So plaintive they carried the warning 

Resembling a siren's song. 
Enchanting the heart in the morning. 

Luring the bold and the strong. 

Adown in the cradle of ocean 

Sailors are lying asleep. 
Bereft of all life and emotion. 

Lured to a tomb in the deep. 

So ever the zephyrs were bringing 

Warning Kokina, the fair : 
" When the sea-god cometh a-singing 

O Kooshi maiden, beware." 

But Kokina laughed at the warnings. 

Fearless forever, the vain, 
And answered the breezes with scornings- 

Welcomed the god of the main. 

Kokina was pure as a flower, 
Fair as a goddess above, 

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STORY AND SONG 



But proud of her beauty and power — 
Thinking the god was in love. 

But mortals should ever remember — 
Maidens though jewels of worth. 

To the sea-god seeming so tender 
Are objects only of mirth. 

His love is so icy and chilling, 
Killing while clasping to hold. 

Deceiving all maids who are willing 
With tales of palace of gold. 

Kokina was wooed by a lover, 

Baron of noble estate. 
Though ranking in name above her 

Yet sought the maiden as mate. 

But waving aside his advances — 
Facing the deluge of brine — 

She answered with ravishing glances: 
"Old Ocean's a rival of thine. 

" I tossed to the billows a jewel — 
An opal with golden rim — 

Now Ocean so charmingly cruel 
Vows I am plighted to him. 

"And ever the breezes are bringing, 
Winging a message to me, 

Are swaying and chanting and singing 

' Thou art the bride of the sea.' 

92 



KOKINA 



"And answering back to old Ocean 

Whispering lips as I nod : 
' O never doubt maiden's devotion, 

When one is wooed by a god.' " 

Her lover, o'erwhelmed by the terror, 
Prayed to Kokina to flee — 

Foretelling how fatal the error 
Plighting herself to the sea. 

"Kokina, beware the immortal, 

Blasting the soul with his breath — 

His touches but open the portal 
Leading to regions of death." 

She smiled at forebodings, replying : 
" When I give over this life. 

If thou art no coward at dying 
We '11 die as husband and wife. 

" Prepare then to follow me ever 
E'en down to caverns of sea — 

The monarch shall sever us never. 
If thou my husband will be. 

" The moon waxes full on the morrow- 
When silvering earth again, 

I'll wed thee for joy and for sorrow — 
Jilting the god of the main." 

Kokina was wed in the ev'ning 
In garments hue of the sky — 

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STORY AND SONG 



Her lover stood by half believing 
His time was nearing to die. 

The guests had departed, and w^eary 

Kokina happy and blest, 
With a husband loving her dearly 

Sank to an innocent rest. 

But scarcely an hour of slumber, 

Ere hearing the ocean's boom, 
A roaring like billows of thunder. 

Rousing the bride and the groom. 

The castle was mightily shaken. 

And unprotected the twain 
Stood facing, by mortals forsaken, 

The cruel god of the main. 

He towered aloft to the ceiling 

As if disdaining the sod. 
While lightnings played round him, revealing 

The frowning face of the god. 

And out of the darkness amazing 

The wedded beheld the ring. 
With the opal evilly blazing 

Gilding the hand of the king. 

A voice that was far more appalling 

Than even the angry tide 
Came out of the blackness; a-calling : 

"Kokina, Kooshi, my bride!" 

94 



KOKINA 



The wail of that wonderful singing, 

Seeming a soul sorely tried, 
Rang eerily, mournfully bringing : 

" Kokina, Kooshi, my bride ! " 

And the husband, bravest in danger. 

Grasping his magical brand 
And launching a blow at the stranger, 

Shattered the blade in his hand. 

That weapon whose fame was repeated 

Raised never aloft in vain; 
Now, baffled and broken, defeated 

Aimed at the god of the main. 

Her husband then lovingly kneeling. 

Besought her never to part, 
But she, through enchantment, unfeeling 

Heard not the throbs of his heart. 

And out where the moonlight was gleaming 
Bhndly she passed with the god; 

While hoping the waking was dreaming 
He followed whither they trod. 

Disdaining the sea-god's displeasure — 
He shadowed them down to the tide. 

Spell-bound by that marvelous measure, 
"Kokina, Kooshi, my bride!'' 

All golden the barge on the billow — 
Kokina wafted aboard, 

95 



STORY AND SONG 



Rests fair on the god as a pillow, 
Crying farewell to her lord. 

" Go back ! O my husband, my lover. 

Farewell ! be glad if you can ; 
The waters I know will soon cover 

The fairest maid of Japan. 

"Believe me, my heart is rebelling. 
Mourning my husband and pride. 

But Ocean my will is compelling. 
Chanting: 'O Kooshi, my bride'" 

He followed with every endeavor 

To rescue his bride so brave. 
Till billows closed over forever — 

Buried him under the wave. 

Three days and three nights there came ringing. 

Winging along with the tide. 
Sad voices so mournfully singing: 

" Kokina, Kooshi, my bride ! 

" Kokina, Kooshi, my bride ! '' 



96 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 



RECENT WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 

Progress Circle, New Year's Eve, 1901. 

The hour was late and strange the fate 
That found me at my labors ; 

Though little done since rise of sun 
I courted Wisdom's favors. 

Mid volumes bound of lore profound 

I caught myself a-dozing. 
And strove to keep from balmy sleep 

Yet knew mine eyes were closing. 

With mind perplexed and vainly vexed 

Twixt history and fable, 
I sought to rout full many a doubt 

Of Homer, yet unable. 

Thus wearied o'er with ancient lore 
Expressed in flowing numbers, 

I took a sup from Morpheus' cup 
And soon was wrapt in slumbers. 

How long I slept of sense bereft 

I never could remember — 
When slumber broke and I awoke 

The fire was but an ember. 

The lamp, once trim, was dark and dim 

My spouse was sweetly snoring j 

97 



STORY AND SONG 



While in the room the gypsy moon 
Broad beams was brightly pouring. 

What wakened me to reverie 

Will ever be a wonder; 
It seemed a knock and then a shock 

And then a peal of thunder. 

From roof to floor a sullen roar, 

Like men in arms embattled, 
As I forbore to ope the door 

The windows loudly rattled. 

While reason wakes the dwelling shakes 

From outer walls to center. 
And ere my wondering silence breaks 

I saw a being enter. 

No footfall echoed from the floor. 

And though I scented danger 
I summoned courage felt before 

And boldly faced the stranger. 

Before my sight a giant's height, 

A beamy breadth of shoulders, 
A sinewy arm to threaten harm 

And terrify beholders. 

The cheeks were scarred, their beauty marred, 

One hand did lack a finger; 
His scars and bars proclaimed the wars 

Where Progress loved to linger. 

98 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 

Around his frame a tunic came, 
A cloak of antique pattern, 

Where, woven fine, were forms divine — 
Minerva, Jove and Saturn. 

And one could trace within the face 

A bold and manly spirit, 
A wisdom writ, the keenest wit 

With irony a-near it. 

Though slow I am since I began. 

It needed not a minute 
To read the grace, the garb, the face 

And note the wisdom in it. 

With conquering will my fears grew still. 
Then in a voice compelling: 

" How dare you, sir," I loudly shrill, 
"To thus invade my dwelling?" 

He courtly bent his stately head 
Like knight of star and garter. 

Then in a voice majestic said : 
"I found your door ajar, sir. 

"And after knocking loud and long 

And never seeing mortal, 
I shook the brazen handle strong 

When open flew the portal. 

" And as my time was rather brief 
To pay a friendly visit, 

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STORY AND SONG 



I own I entered like a thief 
With step that seemed illicit. 

" And here I find you nodding o'er 
These tomes upon the table, 

And offer you uncommon lore 
To solve you myth and fable." 

Said I: "You entered as you chose — 

Sine an invitation j 
I pardon this if you disclose 

Your nation, name, and station." 

His features shone: "One word alone 

All ignorance dismisses. 
" Behold ! " he cried in kingly tone, 

"I am the sage Ulysses." 

I marveled much, I marvel more 
Since now the scene is over. 

That I should see within my door 
This great and mighty rover. 

And queries fast came surging past 
Beyond all words and phrases. 

Of Hector brave and Nestor grave 
And proud Achilles' praises. 

And since he sat beneath my dome 

It seemed a pleasing duty. 
To listen to his journey home — 

But first of Helen's beauty. 

I GO 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 

I prayed him then reveal again 
How Helen seemed so peerless, 

To send a hundred thousand men 
To battle Trojans fearless. 

"Was her's the fairest form of earth 

Without the least restriction, 
Or was her beauty, like her worth, 

A bit of Homer's fiction ?" 

" The name you speak," replied the Greek, 

"Is haply a misnomer; 
For, though I traveled oceans bleak, 

I never heard of Homer. 

" But if he writ in later time 

Of Helen beauty laden. 
The fairest child of Zeus sublime 

And still an earthly maiden, 

" He followed truth, yet not one prize 
Inspired the slaughter wholly. 

Fair Helen did but symbolize 
All women, high and lowly. 

"Each man in Helen's form divine. 
Where Venus loved to hover, 

Beheld another face as fine 

That owned him lord and lover. 

"If Paris held Queen Helen then. 
How could a lowly heiress 

lOI 



STORY AND SONG 



Safeguard herself from daring men 
Who foully followed Paris? 

"While Trojan walls were undermined 
With right good will and pleasure, 

We struck a blow for woman-kind, 
Man's high and holy treasure. 

"Some fought for spoil, or fame inclined 

The ages to illumine. 
But every warrior's heart enshrined 

The portrait of some woman. 

"Though plain of face, and little grace, 

A lowly hut to dwell in. 
To him it was a royal place 

And she a blameless Helen." 

Ulysses paused and after while 

I shyly mentioned Circe, 
And fair Calypso's luring smile — 

Who showed him little mercy. 

" How came it, sir, these maids of guile 
For eight long years were keeping 

Ulysses from his rocky isle. 
And Penelope a-weeping?" 

He grimly smiled, then answered low: 
"When perished Priam's towers 

I prayed that I might homeward go 
Unhindered by the powers. 
1 02 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 

" Unheard, unheeded rose my prayers. 

By Neptune fiercely hated, 
Woes heaped on woes, unnumbered cares 

Ulysses bore, ill-fated. 

"By fortune tossed to Circe's sea, 
I found her more than human, 

Or if a mortal maid, then we 
Are weaker far than woman. 

"And if I fell beneath the speli 

Of fair Calypso longer, 
'Twould seem to tell by logic well 

The weaker are the stronger. 

"I never knew until tonight, 

Penelope was tearful — 
It must have been the horrid sight 

Of slaughter that was fearful. 

" Four baneful years the suitor train 

Ran riot in my towers. 
And queenly aim seemed rather vain 

Of her coquettish powers. 

"Think not I came to dim her fame 
Or cast one base suspicion — 

Penelope's the brightest name 
Among the women Grecian." 

A thousand things I fain would know 
Of Eris' golden apple, 
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STORY AND SONG 



Which set Hellenic hosts aglow 
With Trojan arms to grapple. 

How gods made sport of human life, 
Doomed kingdoms fair to slaughter, 

Because a princeling judge Jove's wife 
Was plainer than his daughter. 

But ere my queries leaped in air 

Ulysses read them hidden; 
In deep despair his lips declare : 

"Such knowledge is forbidden." 

He paused an instant as the clock 
Was chiming out the hour; 

The Grecian gazed, perplexed, amazed 
At such peculiar power. 

I told the plan that watches ran 

To count Time's flying movements, 

And he began: "Perchance then man 
Hath other fair improvements. 

"If thou wilt be a guide to me 

I'll deem thy toil a favor. 
To kindly show where'er we go 

The marked results of labor. 

"Nearby I viewed an olive tree, 
The sign of famous Athens, 

And roamed a valley fair to see 
Which many cattle fattens. 
104 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 



"Your figs I know, your purple grapes 

Are surely Bacchanalian; 
If I might now dispute your dates 

I'd hardly seem an alien. 

"Your mountains high that prop the sky 

Inspire a lofty mission, 
And near thy shores old Neptune roars 

To make the land like Grecian. 

"Your temples seem a recent dream — 

Behold on yonder gleaming 
A single cross with gold emboss; 

Can'st thou construe its meaning?" 

"Your gods are dead and gone," I said ; 

" Olympian heights are lonely. 
We worship one almighty head, 

The Father of men, only. 

"That cross a symbol of His child 

To death and torture given. 
By those he would have reconciled 

To Life and Truth and heaven." 

He sadly sighed and then replied : 
" The night is swiftly going — 

Wilt thou abide Ulysses' guide 

And show what's worth the showing? ' 

I plead infirmity and age, 

A frame somewhat rheumatic : 

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STORY AND SONG 



Then, coming near, the mighty sage 
Smiled down on me ecstatic. 

He touched and banished every ill — 

His hand was like an ember; 
It lent a thrill to nerve and will 

And freedom to each member. 

He waved aside my thanks and cried : 

" No time for idle talking." 
He clasped my hand and bade me stand 

And I, once more, was walking. 

A brilliant sight, a royal night, 

Ulysses gazed in wonder 
In street and shop, in tree and top 

With shadows playing under. 

He vowed: "The stars are chained to earth. 

(His ancient mind benighted.) 
I showed him streets and homes of worth 

Are now electrolighted. 

He shouted, as we passed up Main, 

"Beware! the fiery dragon!" 
"Nay, nay," I deign, "a railway train, 

A mighty horse and wagon." 

We hailed a car but when afar 

He saw electric flashes. 
And startled by the lambent flame 

He panic-stricken dashes. 
io6 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 



In disarray he groaning lay — 
I bade him cease his moaning, 

Then waked a city leagues away 
And set him telephoning. 

So weirdly sound the words profound, 

Polite the tone and civil; 
The hero heard each mystic word 

As voice of Delphic sibyl. 

We hailed afar another car 

Which bore us to the city. 
With women fair whose bosoms bare 

Awoke his wond'ring pity. 

The ghostly ear could plainly hear 

The phonographic singing; 
And music bells wrought deeper spells 

When Christmas chimes were ringing. 

We climbed nearby a stairway high 

Above the topmost gable, 
And viewed a scene twixt earth and sky 

Surpassing fairy fable. 

Like shuttles flying to and fro 
The shadows swiftly cleaving. 

The rainbow cars would come and go, 
A mighty city weaving! 

Saw man's desire in strands of wire 
From hill-top, mast and steeple; 
107 



STORY AND SONG 

We note the living lights of fire, 
The distant hum of people. 



I solved him how Jove's lightnings bow 

To man a servant willing, 
A hundred-handed giant now, 

A Hermes swift and thrilling. 

How mighty iron vessels glide 

With automatic motion. 
And breast the gale without a sail 

And laugh at angry ocean. 

I pointed where the viewless air 

Bore wires telegraphic 
To cables deep where monsters sleep 

Unconscious of their traffic. 

"Enough,'* he cried, "let magic end, 

This passes our Elysian ; 
Perchance, O friend, when we descend, 

'Twill fade away, a vision." 

Upon the elevator's call 

We entered with fair ladies. 

And as the room began to fall, 

"O save," he cried, "from Hades." 

Quite indiscreet, we crossed a street, 
Midst cars and cycles flying; 

The Grecian said : "I'm of the dead 
Or I should soon be dying." 
io8 



WANDERINGS OF ULYSSES 

At length arrived at tunnel wide, 
"Ah safe," he sighed, " a grotto." 

Then leaped aside where bikers ride 
And just escaped an auto. 

"No more," he cried, "no more I pray. 

Nor other wonders notice. 
I marvel not ye moderns say : 

' This is the land of Lotus.' 

" Where all earth's flowers scent the breeze. 

Where every fruit is eaten; 
The garden of Hesperides 

And our Elysian beaten. 

" With women fair as naiads rare. 
With men of might and magic ; 

I now declare their wills to dare 
Surpass the ages tragic. 

" And grander things shall Chronos bring 

Beyond all Grecian glory, 
A Homer yet unborn to sing 

Your country's deathless story. 

"But not for me your nightless days, 
The rush and roar and rattle ; 

Unfitted I for modern ways, 
A pigmy in your battle. 

" I bid thee now a fond farewell; 
And, though a guest unbidden, 
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STORY AND SONG 



A thousand secrets I would tell 
Of ancient wisdom hidden. 

" But see Aurora's fingers fair 
The mountain peaks adorning! 

I must forsake the upper air 

Ere come the beams of morning.*' 

He faded as a dream will fade, 

Looked backward long and tender, 

As I beheld the sun arrayed 
In majesty and splendor. 



no 



A MOTHER'S LOVE 



A MOTHER'S LOVE 

Time is waiting a moment for me 

To behold a vision fair; 
He has raised the sky from peak to sea 

And beauty is everywhere. 

The river flows by forest and field 
Where my infant songs were sung; 

Where over me like a warrior's shield 
The whispering maples hung. 

The sun is watching the winding sheet 
The storm-king weaves of white 

And the diamonds shaped of snow and sleet 
Reflect his golden light. 

The frost has locked both river and lake 

And given the key to Spring; 
They silent sleep but will soon awake 

When the early robbins sing. 

Both forest and field are left behind 

And prairies come in view; 
O'er chasm and gorge we swiftly climb 

The heights which pierce the blue. 

The mountains now have lifted their heads 
To prop the drooping sky, 
III 



STORY AND SONG 



Where the sea-born cloudlet often sheds 
Her tears in passing by. 

We are resting now in orange land 

By Balboa*s peaceful sea. 
But 'tis not for these I understand 

This vision appears to me. 

For forest and field and changing sights 
Are naught but the picture's frame; 

I have need to scale the grander heights 
To worthily write its name. 

For earth hath never a desert wide 

Nor mountain towering free, 
To measure the half my dearest guide 

Has fondly given to me. 

Name me a price for a mother's love, 

What do I think of gold ? 
Pile it as high as the heavens above — 

For that it can't be sold. 

Fashion a palace beyond compare 

With jewels garnished bright. 
With costly wood and marble rare 

A dazzling house of light; 

To this you may join a royal throne, 

A kingdom you may proffer; 
She would raise me high to make mine own 

The scepter that you offer. 

112 



A MOTHER'S LOVE 



* * * * 

Within the circled rim of life 

I see her form beside me. 
Warding away the storm and strife 

And ills that would betide me. 

She watched beside my cradle sleep 
While helplessly I slumbered, 

Beseeching Heaven to guard and keep 
With prayers that can't be numbered. 

As years rolled on the storms of youth 
Were hushed with her caressing, 

While from fond lips I learned the truth 
That makes of life a blessing. 

And though I cannot reason why 

I often caused her sorrow, 
The pardon of her kindly eye 

Came always ere the morrow. 

And now, though many years are fled 

Since I became a rover. 
Her blessings follow where I tread 

And shielding hover over. 

Oh, wondrous love a mother shows — 

A wonder never ceasing — 
A love which God implanted grows 

Throughout the years increasing. 



"3 



STORY AND SONG 



My vision fair begins to end 

Like panoramic letter; 
It teaches me, my dearest friend, 

How deep I am your debtor! 

And though the language that we sp^ak 
Hath many words and phrases. 

It seemeth now but poor and weak 
Since I would pen your praises. 

Yet not a murmur shall this bear 

In one way or another. 
As I a priceless jewel wear. 

The love of my dear mother ! 

And when I pass adown the tide 

To cross the mystic river, 
Oh, meet me on the farther side 

And love me there forever. 



114 



JENNIE 



JENNIE 

This land hath many charms, I know, 

Of tropic fruit and vine; 
Its mountain tops are crowned with snow; 

Its valleys teem with wine. 

The odor of the orange bloom 

O'erladens vesper breeze. 
And ocean zephyrs bear perfume 

From flowering almond trees. 

The feathered palm and stately pine 

Are rivals for a place. 
While boughs of cedar and of lime 

Here often interlace. 

The bending fruit of lemon tree, 

The modest apple's worth, 
And olive of the southern sea 

Ask only soil for birth. 

Amid the ever-blooming rose 

Are fairest lilies seen; 
Magnolia with acacia glows 

Beneath the moonlight's sheen. 

And overhead in summer time. 
Nay during all the year, 

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STORY AND SONG 



The tuneful birds are pouring rhyme 
In every waiting ear. 

Yet in this paradise below 

Of favored fruits and flowers, 

Of songs which seem to ever flow 
Within these fragrant bowers, 

I think of one who neath them goes — 
The theme of humble pen — 

More worth to me than all that grows 
In valley, plain or glen. 

I know with me you will agree 

If multiplied by ten. 
So valuable they would not be 

As my beloved Jen. 



ii6 



LONGING 



LONGING 

Sing, O muse of Heaven, sing 

A song of hope and cheer. 
For the heart is weary and worn 
With a weight of sorrow borne 
Year after year. 

Come, O holy angel, come 

With answer from on high. 
Why a feeble form was made 
To battle giants fierce arrayed. 
To suffer, then to die. 

Send, O God of Heaven, send 

A ray of light divine. 
As thou didst send to ancient men; 
Illuminate a humble pen, 

Inspire^ome word of mine. 

Hear, O Thou who hearest all, 

The deep, despairing cry 
Of helpless beings set afloat 
On ether sea in open boat, 
Waiting, waiting to die. 

Behold, O Thou who seest all, 
The earth a ship at sea; 
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STORY AND SONG 



Driven northward and then to south, 
Feeling famine and deadly drouth, 
Hurricaned east and now to west — 
Vainly seeking a port of rest — 
The ship of humanity. 

Give, O Giver of all good. 

Give thy children light. 
Show us whither our driftings tend. 
Give us a glimpse of Heaven as end 

To cheer our hearts to fight. 

Show, O Thou who showeth the way. 

Thy love from day to day. 
Let it bind like the strongest rope 
Our tired hearts to the anchor hope 
And hold them safe alway. 



ii8 



FATE 



FATE 

I hold that Fate is but a foil 
To try the metal of the soul ; 

'Tis not the triumph but the toil 
That bringeth nearer to the goal. 

We proudly deem our pathway best 
And fret at barriers on the way, 

When bolts and bars are but the test 
Of worth that wins a later day. 

Perchance the chosen pathway's wrong, 
Perchance ! ah, is there any chance ? 

Although another's thrice as long 
Be sure it leadeth in advance. 

'Tis earnest striving lendeth strength. 
The thrust and parry giveth skill. 

And Fate may go the utmost length 
Ere seeming bends his sovereign will. 

'Tis only seeming, for the strife 
Hath lent us keener eyes to see. 

Amid the wilful dreams of life. 
The King's highway to victory. 



119 



STORY AND SONG 



THE OAKS 

A tiny oak a summer's day 

Was withering in the burning sun; 

The life was slipping fast away — 
An infant life but scarce begun. 

I hastened to a singing rill 

And kneeling on its flowery brink, 

My hunting cap did quickly fill 
Then gave the dying oak a drink. 

When I returned long years had flown — 
Old Time had sprinkled locks with gray- 

And there I found my oak had grown 
A mighty monarch o'er the way. 

Within its boughs a choir of birds 
Made all the air resound with song; 

Beneath its arches lowing herds 

Found cooling shade the summer long. 



I gave a friendly hand to one 

Who, fiercely by temptation tried, 

Arose and stood and overcome 
The satan he had walked beside. 

Now as a giant oak he stands 
And turns aside misfortune's rod 
1 20 



THE OAKS 



From wearied hearts and weakened hands- 
Co-worker with Almighty God. 

Thrice blessed he who reaches down 

To help a fallen brother up; 
And thou art drawing near a crown 

By giving one refreshing cup. 



121 



STORY AND SONG 



THE FAVORED ONES 

Last night as I was dreaming 

Of another Christmas night, 
There came a moon-beam streaming 

Like a Jacob's ladder bright. 
And down the silvern ladder 

Came an angel passing fair, 
And the darkened room was gladder 

With his sweet and heavenly air. 

And I dreamed he told the story, 

How the mighty and the strong 
Came once with him from glory 

To chant a wondrous song. 
And a sweeter song was never 

Heard by any mortal ears — 
A song that grows forever 

Sweet and sweeter through the years. 

Not to the proud and haughty. 

Nor to those of lordly state. 
Nor in the temple lofty. 

But to men of lowly fate. 
To simple shepherds only 

Came the chanting cherubim, 
And on the hillside lonely 

Was heard that holy hymn. 

122 



THE FAVORED ONES 

The shepherds heard astounded: 

"Peace, peace to all the earth." 
While all the air resounded 

For the blest Redeemer's birth. 
They sang to God their praises 

On the hills of Bethlehem 
And wove with heavenly phrases 

Good will to erring men. 

Oh, blessed sight and hearing. 

Thrice favored shepherd men 
To whom the host appearing 

Sang the Babe of Bethlehem. 
And I dreamed the angel holy 

Praised the path the humble trod, 
And taught me that the lowly 

Are the favored ones of God. 



123 



STORY AND SONG 



LET ME DWELL 

Let me dwell where lofty mountains 

Safely guard a peaceful dell; 
Where the sweetly murm'ring fountains 

All their dreams of ocean tell. 
I would waken with the morning 

And behold the sun in pride 
With his beams the earth adorning 

Till she sparkled like a bride. 

In a fairy grotto dwelling 

Where the birds would sing to me, 
Each one of his freedom telling, 

Wishing I were also free; 
Free amid the giant towers 

Lifted high above the plain. 
Free to roam among the flowers. 

Knowing naught of grief or pain. 

There are those who love commotion 

In the mighty city's roar. 
Or the rage of angry ocean 

Dashing wildly on the shore. 
But for me Heaven scemeth nearer 

From the crown of mountain high. 
As I watch with vision clearer 

Countless stars go wheeling by. 
124 



LET ME DWELL 



There with God around me reigning 

Far from sorrow, care and strife, 
With my spirit upward training 

For a grander, higher life; 
Waiting for the summons only 

With a sweet and calm content. 
Praying that some mountain lonely 

Be for me a monument. 



laS 



STORY AND SONG 



RETROSPECTION 

Come rest ye in the window 

As sol sinks down the west, 
And answer me the query, 

Whom love you now the best ? 
I know that others loved thee 

With love akin to pain; 
If thou were now a-choosing 

Would I be yours again? 

ril understand your answer 

Though not a sigh is heard. 
For secret thoughts of lovers 

Need not the spoken word. 
With fondest recollection 

Recall the years agone 
And choose again a lover. 

Like maiden at her dawn. 

Some offered wealth and station 

But I had naught to give. 
Save my sincere affection 

So long as we should live; 
Yea, I believe I told you 

That we should love alway. 
Both here and there in heaven — 

Forever and a day. 
126 



RETROSPECTION 



The boastful words of lover. 

And still I hold them true, 
That we shall love each other 

Beyond that curtain blue. 
Though now and then a sorrow 

Brought bitter tears like rain, 
Yet ever on the morrow 

Our joy effaced the pain. 

Speak not, for speech is silver; 

Thy silence be the gold 
That gives my heart a message 

Too precious to be told. 
I envy not the mighty 

Nor those of princely line — 
Since thou art mine forever 

And I forever thine. 



127 



STORY AND SONG 



THE WATCHWORD 

Stand porter at the door of thought. 

— Science and Health, 392. 

Stand guard, O christian soldier; 

Be faithful evermore. 
Let not a thought of evil 

Find entrance at the door. 
Put on the proven armor 

And with the word of Truth 
Rout every form of error 

And win immortal youth. 

Be mindful of the temple 

To keep the holy place. 
So He may send His angels 

To meet thee face to face. 
O let the upper chamber 

Be garnished pure and bright, 
All ready for the Master 

Who bringeth Life and light. 

Hush all the mortal senses 

That ye may hear the word. 
For in the deepest silence 

The voice of Truth is heard. 
Be constant in communion. 

Keep faithful watch and ward 
128 



THE WATCHWORD 



That ye may hear the greetings 
Of the ever present Lord. 

Again the heavenly Father 

Hath sent the certain sign, 
That He is vi^ith His children 

In healing povi^er divine. 
And stately science marches 

With Leader on before, 
Who signals us the watchword: 

"Stand porter at the door." 



129 



STORY AND SONG 



THE UNFINISHED STATUE 

In classic Greece a temple stands, 

So beautiful to human eye, 
Although the work of earthly hands, 

It seems the product of the sky. 

And thus indeed the legends run. 
That many forms of god-like race 

Began when Phoebus hid the sun 

To carve and set the stones in place. 

The virgin marble daily brought 
Was nightly into beauty born. 

Beyond the power of mortal thought. 
Surpassing human skill to form. 

I know not how the temple came 

With all its beauty, truth and worth. 

For time has hidden name and fame 
Of those who here enriched the earth. 

Within that stately templed hall- 
A group of marble statues rise. 

And if skilled mortals need to call 
For aid above the bended skies. 

To build the temple, then I know 
They must have very lowly bent 
130 



THE UNFINISHED STATUE 

And prayed the powers not to go 
Till each his own bright image lent. 

Each statue stands in thoughtful mood, 
As though a living, breathing god — 

Might speak a language understood. 
Or smile and answer with a nod. 

Instinct with swift intelligence. 

Of matchless form and peerless face, 

If not from heaven, O tell me whence 
Came all this fairness, mind and grace. 

Another statue — incomplete — 
A neighbor, yet aloof it stands. 

As though the sculptor would repeat 
A stroke before it left his hands 

To take its place among the rest 
Divinely wrought, divinely fair. 

As if perfection were the test 

For entrance where the brothers are. 

Tho' heaven's brightness, truth and worth 
Are visible in curve and line. 

It yet must lose some touch of earth 
To show forth beauty all divine. 

Famed masters came to strike the blow 
To set the dreamed-of beauty free; 

But no one struck, for none could know 
Whose likeness should the statue be. 

131 



STORY AND SONG 



No mortal found the needed skill — 
None wise enough to understand 

And there it is awaiting still 
A single touch of master hand. 



Oh God, as statues incomplete, 
Before thy loving face we stand, 

And humbly pray that we may meet 
A touch of thine almighty hand. 

Oh carve within each child of thine 
A likeness of Thyself alone. 

So all will know the hand divine 
Has wrought a marvel all its own. 

Thy power alone can set us free 
From seeming ills of mortal birth - 

An image of Thyself to be. 

Without a single touch of earth. 



132 



A CHRISTMAS PRAYER 



A CHRISTMAS PRAYER 

Out of the blue that bends above 

Come Thou, O Lord! to-day in love, 

Let seraphs chant their song again: 

"Peace! peace on earth, good will to men!" 

Oh gladden now our mother earth 

A second time, by second birth, 

By reappearing once again 

Incarnate in the hearts of men ; 

How small the upward growth we show 

Through nineteen hundred years of woe ! 

The rich whom Thou rebuked of old 

Have multiplied a thousand fold. 

And tens of thousands feel the fate 

Of Lazarus at Dives' gate. 

They gather in their wealth untold — 

A miser's musty, rusty gold, — 

And watch their fellows by the scores 

Starving and freezing at their doors. 

Melt Thou their hearts to give and give! 

For all men have a right to live. 

Melt Thou their gold until it runs 

To feed the hungry, starving ones. 

To warm and clothe the poor and weak. 

Who vainly honest labor seek. 

The Pharisees, in haughty pride, 

Still on the earth, O Lord ! abide, 

133 



STORY AND SONG 



And claim anew the highest place, 
As paragons of all the race. 
The priest and Levite still pass by 
And leave the wounded one to die; 
But thanks to Thee, for now and then 
There comes the good Samaritan, 
Who, with a brother's heart to feel. 
Binds up the cruel wounds of steel. 
Speak, Lord, to souls so sad and sore : 
"Go thou, O woman, sin no more." 
And with Thy finger as a pen 
Write mercy on the hearts of men. 
We seek no later word or sign — 
Thy gospel. Lord, is still divine. 
And fills the whole of human needs. 
If prayers would blossom into deeds. 
O let the spirit of Thy word 
In every land be felt and heard, 
Till men will know their hoards of years 
Are minted out of human tears. 
And hasten backward with the spoil 
They wrung from weaker brother's toil. 
Speed, speed the hour when we shall see 
More justice, love and, charity — 
Till all will feel each human throb 
As children of one Father, God ! 



134 



THE THREE BELLS 



THE THREE BELLS 

Ho! sexton, strong sexton, why ring you the bell ? 
And what of the message it striveth to tell ? 
Do winds as they stoop for a burden of song 
Bear sorrow or joy as they journey along ? 

Aye, stranger, fair stranger, list, list to the bell, 
And learn you the tidings it seeketh to tell: 
It rings out with gladness this bright summer morn, 
For a baby in yonder brave mansion is born. 

Ho ! sexton, good sexton, why ring you the bell? 
And what are the triumphs it seems to foretell? 
Its message rolls onward surpassingly grand, 
As if it would welcome the great of the land. 

Kind neighbor, true neighbor, list, list to the bell. 
And hear their sweet vows in its musical swell. 
Mark thou the " I will " of the groom in his pride. 
Who lovingly looks on the face of his bride. 

Ho ! sexton, gray sexton, why toll you the bell? 
Whose heart bows in sorrow, for whom is the knell? 
I hear the sad wailing, the cry of despair — 
I catch the low voice of the preacher in prayer. 

O brother, dear brother, list, list to the bell: 

Its throbbing, how mournful, yet know all is well. 

135 



STORY AND SONG 



It rang for the baby ; it welcomed the bride, 
And now it is tolling because she has died. 

But brother, still list to a deep undertone. 
Resounding so sweet in a note of its own; 
It rises in waves like a musical tide. 
Till blending with song on eternity's side. 

She came as a blessing from region above; 
She gave of herself, of her gold and her love; 
She followed the pathway her Savior had trod. 
And was fitted to stand in the presence of God. 



136 



SANTA CLARA VALLEY 



SANTA CLARA VALLEY 

Afar where yonder mountains high 
Stand propping up the opal sky, 
A streamlet in its maiden leap 
Dashes itself adown the steep, 
To join anon in wid'ning sweep 
The peaceful waters of the deep. 
The fountain swiftly speeds away 
To wed the mountains with the bay ; 
Beneath our feet it sings along 
The carol of its bridal song. 
From cedared heights to waters blue 
Fair is the land to mortal view. 

Behold, by Nature's hand arrayed. 
Orchards of every hue and shade. 
The vineyards, sloping gently down, 
With luscious beauty highlands crown. 
Embroidered blocks of olive green 
Checker the land along the stream. 
While rival ranks of cherries run. 
Flashing their beauty in the sun. 
Towering pine and pampas plume 
Soon will nod to the purpling prune. 
Three months ago the almonds fair 
Were swinging censers in the air, 

137 



STORY AND SONG 



Wafting on high their recompense, 
Sweeter than myrrh and frankincense, 
And matin song of praising bird 
From golden orange bough was heard, 
While countless hands of fronded palm 
Welcome waved in the vernal calm. 

Beyond that hill, fair Nature's toy, 
Lies hid the town of far Gilroy. 
Across yon deeply wooded glen 
Are the whitened homes of Almaden, 
Where nature sought in vain to hide 
Her store which gleams a silver tide. 
And from the mountains' bursting side, 
Through shaft and tunnel deep and wide. 
The liquid silver, led by men. 
Pours from the mines of Almaden. 
Viewed from afar, I faintly see 
Thy grove, O University! 
The distant touch of space and time 
Hath smoothed that rugged form of thine, 
Till heart and soul and eye can see 
Only the good and fair in thee. 

That azure gleaming far away — 
A seeming fragment of the sky — 
Is where the freighted waters lie 

Of lordly San Francisco Bay. 

It is the turquoise of the ring. 



138 



SANTA CLARA VALLEY 

Whose circled rim the mountains form, 
These verdant heights reared to adorn 

The sweet abiding place of spring. 

That height, beyond fair San Jose, 
Surmounted by that regal dome. 
Hath now become the vigil home 

Of those who walk the starry way. 

Oh, crowned pile of Hamilton ! 

Where mysteries are brought to light. 
Where worlds are conquered of the night, 

And marvel after marvel won. 



139 



STORY AND SONG 



TWO FLOWERS 
To " Little Sister." 

A violet bloomed in mountain dell, 
With tender grace on fairy face, 

And hue an artist loves so well, 
But only God knows how to trace. 

'Twas lowly, yet its chaliced cup 

Its treasure lent, and sweetest scent 
Rose ever upward and still up. 
Like orisons on heaven bent. 

A strong wind came and rudely shook 
The tiny bloom till all perfume 

Was yielded up; but oh, the look 

The flower gave was tinged with gloom. 

Then sighed the wind : " I know I stole 
Thy perfumed air, but I shall bear 

It onward where a youthful soul 

Is passing while he breathes a prayer." 

"Oh, take my Hfe," the flower said; 

" I give him all if I can call 
Him earthward; or if he be dead. 

Then let me rest upon the pall." 



140 



TWO FLOWERS 



There is a flower of human form 
Whose prayers arise as sacrifice, 

In sunshine or in darkened storm, 
Up and still upward to the skies. 

A strong hand smote this bloom in youth; 

Yet from pale lips no murmur slips. 
But only thankfulness in truth 

That God is near in life's eclipse. 

Oft through the leaden night she prays. 
And days like night; for, 'reft of light, 

God giveth her His brighter rays. 
Best fitted for angelic sight. 

God giveth more; His mystic peace 
In spite of dole surrounds the soul. 

Till baffled evil learns to cease 

To try to swerve her from her goal. 

And death himself, with threat of doom. 
Oft comes, then goes, as if he chose 

To leave this fair courageous bloom. 

To shame the cowards whom he knows. 

This tiny one is strong, yet weak. 
Frail as a flower whose only power 

Is beauty, but the soul though meek 
Is mightier than an armed tower. 

A thousand hearts are in her debt. 

For soothing word and prayers unheard 
141 



STORY AND SONG 



On earth; and, like the violet. 
She offers all unto her Lord. 

And we, who all of this behold, 
Do pray in love to One above 

That He still bless her manifold. 
And treat her as a wounded dove. 



142 



TO MILDRED 



TO MILDRED 

A little lady whom I know 

Said: "I'll be seven to-morrow, 
And laughing through the world I go 

Without a thought of sorrow. 

"The sun peeps o'er the mountain top, 

And greets me with his lances; 
And through the day he seems to stop, 

With many kindly glances. 

" He turns the dew on bud and bloom 

To gems of purest water, 
And fills the air with sweet perfume, 

As though I were his daughter. 

"The moon sweeps onward through the sky. 
With starry children round her. 

To silvern all the path that I 
Am walking while I ponder, 

" If stars and moon in sailing round 

In the darkness by themselves. 
Have seen the fays, or ever found 

The home of the fairy elves. 

"So loving all beneath the sun, 
I never borrow trouble; 

143 



STORY AND SONG 



While many friends and kindred come 
To make my joys seem double." 

Vd wrong us both to waken thee 
From out your sweet elysian, 

Although it often seems to me 
Earth's joys are but a vision. 

But while old Time shall onward sweep, 
To turn your seven to seventy, 

May sweet contentment ever keep 
Your wishes pure and heavenly. 

And with a heart filled full of love 

For all that God created, 
Your life be linked to heaven above, 

Your joys be unabated. 



144 



FUTURITY 



FUTURITY 

I know not how, nor when nor where — 
Yet I believe that we shall meet 

Beyond that tapestry of air. 

When mortal pulses cease to beat. 

I cannot think that thou wert made 

So wonderously fair to see — 
To bloom a season, then to fade 

And vanish as a dream from me-. 

While gazing in deep eyes of thine, 

I deem I read the truth to be 
That thou the image of divine 

Will live through all eternity. 

And I, aware of my unworth. 

Still fondly trust the power of love 

To lift me upward from the earth. 
Until I reach the plane above. 

I know not which of us will go 
To pioneer that distant state, 

But something whispers me: "We know 
The first will for the other wait.'' 

So now I rest contentedly. 

Regarding neither time nor place. 

As in the end mine eyes shall see 
Mine own beloved face to face. 

145 



STORY AND SONG 



LEAVE THEM ALONE 

The San Bernardino Indians, hearing that their 
ancient burial grounds were to be plowed and planted 
to orchard by white people, entered an indignant 
protest. They have appealed to the Washington 
authorities to prevent the threatened desecration of 
their fathers' graves. 

O Saxon, who boasts of dominion earth-wide, 
Leave them alone on their barren hillside ; 
Touch not their dust with your impious hand ; 
Spare to the sleepers their last rood of land. 
Once lords of woodland, of meadow and stream, 
Their sway has vanished away like a dream. 
From heights encompassing valley around ; 
You deem them trespassers under the ground. 
Where once they were chieftains of mighty domains. 
Through force and fraud, not an acre remains. 
Ye robbed them of all by cunning and might. 
Beggared their children from height unto height. 
Prate not of your justice, and say ye bought. 
For sometime and somewhere wrongs that were 

wrought. 
In spite of decisions and laws ye laud. 
Have tainted your deeds in the forum of God. 
Think not their children, though deep in disgrace, 
Ever dishonored humanity's race 
146 



LEAVE THEM ALONE 

And bartered for gold the grave of a sire. 

Save tempted by drink that withers like fire. 

Some dust is so sacred even your gold, 

Though you were dowered as Croesus of old, 

Weighs as light in scales of ultimate worth, 

As paltriest things on face of the earth. 

Conceding that all you grasp is your own. 

Stir not the sleepers where each rests alone ; 

But grant their children this acre of sod 

In a vale, whose spires should teach them of God. 

A few years at most, the remnant will lie 

In couches of earth 'neath blue of the sky, 

Anear to sires, who peopled the West, 

The first and last will be gathered to rest. 

So leave them their graves where poppies will spring. 

Where breezes at morn and even will sing 

A requiem sweet, with sorrowful tone 

Bewailing a race deprived of its own. 

Who once masters of all, from mountain to wave, 

Now begs the stranger the gift of a grave. 



147 



STORY AND SONG 



LADDIE 

Sweeter is faith by refining, 
Stronger the soul that is tried, 
And never you doubt 
The good will come out. 
If you in the faith abide. 

Grieve not though Laddie be absent- 
The Laddie you long to see — 

Though fated to part, 

The love of thine heart 
Is drawing him home to thee. 

Ruler of men and of nations. 
Heeding his children divine. 

Is guarding in love 

From heaven above. 
This little Laddie of thine. 

Danger may threaten the Laddie — 
Never you fear he will fall — 

Far greater his worth 

Than sparrows of earth. 
Yet the Father heareth their call. 

Brightly fair Luna is beaming. 
Turning thy night into day, 
148 



LADDIE 



She lamps in a room 
To banish the gloom, 
For Laddie so far away. 

Daphne will glow on the morrow, 
Dimming the torches of night. 

The sun in plendor 

Arise a defender, 
Guiding the Laddie aright. 

Fear not, though hidden the future. 
Faint not, though Laddie must roam; 

Believe and be glad. 

Thy love for the Lad 
Is surely bringing him home. 

Happy a morn that is coming — 
Tearful but brimming with joy — 

Thy bosom will bound. 

Thine arms circle round 
Laddie, dear Laddie, thy boy. 



149 



STORY AND SONG 



ARMENIA 

Armenia, O Armenia, 

Will nations heed thy cry. 
Or must thou feel the Moslem's steel 

Till all thy people die? 

Thy land that once held Eden, 
Where Adam wept to dwell, 

The savage Turk by fearful work 
Hath made it now a hell. 

Here Noah's mighty mountain 

Uplifts its snowy head, 
And views a plain piled high with slain, 

Armenia's martyred dead ! 

Where maidens. Christian maidens, 
Knelt down to fiendish Kurds, 

And on the air breathed such a prayer 
We dare not frame in words. 

A prayer that even Satan 

Might listen to with pain. 
As daughters fair with bosoms bare 

Begged only to be slain ! 

The virgin tears were answered 
By mocking demons' laugh, 

150 



ARMENIA 



Than which the knife that ended life 
Seemed kinder far by half. 

Oh, chivalry of England ! 

Of Europe, of the earth ! 
Your blades should flash, your cannons crash 

For human right and worth. 

Ought Turkish tigers shepherd 

This primal Christian fold, 
To boast of crimes unnumbered times 

Too fearful to be told? 

Wake, Lion-hearted Richard ! 

Shake off the clinging sod ! 
And once again lead England's men 

Against these foes of God. 



151 



STORY AND SONG 



CROWN OF THE VALLEY 

(Pasadena) 

Crown of the Valley, I leave thee in sadness — 
Sadness akin to both pleasure and pain, 

Pain in departing, and yet there is gladness 
In hope that whispers I'll see thee again. 

Crown of the Valley, thine orchards and flowers 
Unrivaled by all green meadows of earth. 

Save only the fairest God-planted bowers. 

That sheltered and shadowed Eve at her birth. 

Crown of the Valley, thy rival is beaten — 
Much of her glory is taken away — 

Here every fruit of the garden is eaten. 

None in the land who would say to us, nay. 

Crown of the Valley, the orange is fruiting — 
Fruiting and shaming magicians of old; 

Nature's warm smile is daily transmuting 
White waxen flowers to planets of gold. 

Crown of the Valley, thou seemest a maiden 
With beauty of form and fragrance of bloom. 

Breath of thy lips most heavily laden 

With sweetest orange and almond perfume. 

152 



CROWN OF THE VALLEY 



Crown of the Valley, if I were a lover 

With boldness enough my love to declare, 

I'd pray the kind fates that over us hover 
Grant me permission thy glories to share. 

Then Crown of the Valley, might I be forgiven 
While passing a life enchantingly free, 

If I should forget the pathway to heaven. 

When all my longings were granted by thee. 



153 



SRORY AND SONG 



A DREAM 

A little lad with flaxen hair 
Rocked to sleep in his father's chair; 
Something tickled his dimpled chin — 
He raised the veils that shut within 
His mild blue eyes, and wond'ring woke. 
Gazed round the room before he spoke : 
"Mamma! Fve been asleep and dreamed 
A happy dream; it really seemed 
That I rose upward to the sky, 
And good St. Peter let me by. 
And as I passed the double gate 
The sun went down, 'twas growing late, 
An angel came with golden hair. 
With eyes of blue, complexion fair, 
Hands as white as the lily bell 
That blows in shady mountain dell. 
Her voice was low and sounded sweet 
As songs the seraphs sing to greet 
The weary pilgrim from afar. 
Who prays to pass the 'Gates Ajar.' 
With arms around me soft and warm 
She pressed me gently to her form. 
Uplifted me on downy bed. 
And sweetly bending o'er me said: 
'I'm glad you've come, my darling boy, 
To dwell alway with me in joy; . 

154 



A DREAM 



To see the angel choir meet, 
And hear the music loud yet sweet, 
Beneath high heaven's lofty dome. 
This evermore to be our home. 
Without a sorrow, sob or sigh. 
Without a thought or fear to die; 
With all things bright, and all things fair. 
Where joy has banished every care.' 
And then I thought my angel bright 
Caressed me with such fond delight. 
That o'er my face a smile broke; 
And then I dreamed that I awoke. 
And as I sought the angel's eyes. 
Can you wonder at my surprise. 
For, gazing in her eyes of blue. 
Mamma dear, the angel was you ! " 



155 



STORY AND SONG 



LA FIESTA DE LA FLORES 

Come to the feast of the flowers ! 

Where music blends with mirth, 
Where swiftly moving hours 

Are brightest ones of earth. 
Where maiden hearts are sighing 

With joys they fear to show, 
As through the dances flying 

Their blushes come and go. 

Come to the feast of the flowers ! 

Where Nature's fairest smile 
Descends as gentle showers, 

Like blessings all the while. 
Where gardens in December 

Tell strangers it is June; 
For every month, remember. 

Our roses bud and bloom. 

Come to the feast of the flowers ? 

And all your Hfe renew 
Amid our orange bowers, 

Beneath our sky so blue. 
Come realizing your dreaming 

Of happy distant clime. 
Where Luna's light is streaming 

O'er lemon grove and lime. 

156 



LA FIESTA DE LA FLORES 

Come to the feast of the flowers ! 

Where pillared palm-tree stands 
Anear the home and towers. 

With its hundred waving hands; 
They beckon you in gladness, 

And bid you hither run, 
Where joy will banish sadness 

From the heart of ev'ry one. 

Come to the feast of the flowers ! 

Behold a vision bright. 
And one the princely powers 

Might gaze on with delight. 
A pageant beauty laden, 

We welcome you to share 
With ev*ry youth and maiden 

Of Los Angeles, the fair. 



157 



STORY AND SONG 



AWAKEN, O QUEEN 
To Mrs. Modina-Wood, Queen of La Fiesta, 1895 

Awaken, O Queen ! The stars of the morning 

Are fading away from the realms of the East, 
And cherubs of dawn the skies are adorning 

With colors outrivaling those of thy feast ; 
The sun in glory will soon be revealing 

The beauty and courage that thou wilt command; 
Into thy bower his rays will be stealing, 

Saluting the monarch who ruleth our land. 

Awaken, O Queen ! Awaken to splendor ! 

For thousands impatient are thronging the street. 
Each one who would be a knightly defender 

To guard and protect thee from harm and defeat. 
They march from mountains, from meadows and 
valleys. 

The East and the West pay their homage to thee ; 
North and South are uniting in rallies. 

As if they were never more rivals to be. 

Awaken, O Queen ! Awaken to gladness ! 

Take part in a dream that is more than a dream. 
Waken to banish all sorrow and sadness 

As far as thy kingdom extendeth, O Queen. 
Awaken to pleasure, brightness and duty ; 



158 



AWAKEN, O QUEEN 



Thy subjects are waiting a word of command — 
Are longing to catch a gUmpse of thy beauty, 
A smile of thy Hps, or a wave of thy hand. 

Awaken, O Queen ! For regions surrounding 

Are sending battalions in honor of thee ; 
With clamorous music air is resounding 

For marvelous pageant of Balboa's sea. 
Children are coming to prove their devotions; 

What sovereign has subjects as happy and bright — 
Full filling the heart with deepest emotions. 

Emotions of beauty, sweet love and delight. 

Awaken, O Queen ! For brief is thy reigning — 

A season of splendor for only a week ; 
Even though subjects are never complaining. 

This briefness brings sadness that none of us seek. 
So when La Fiesta's moments are ending. 

And vanished the glitter, the worry and strife, 
Perchance thou wilt favor all by extending 

Thy scepter and kingdom the balance of life. 



159 



STORY AND SONG 



WELCOME, GRACIOUS QUEEN OF 
MIRTH 

To Mildred Howell Lewis, Queen of La Fiesta, 1896 

Bannered flags in ocean air 
Wave a welcome, lady fair. 
Harvests of our gardens rare 
Weave a pattern for your feet; 
While upon the crowded street 
Tens of thousands throng to greet 
Thee, whose worth and beauty won 
Fairest throne beneath the sun. 

Dowered by thy God at birth 
With a soul of highest worth, 
With a beauty scarce of earth. 
Welcome, gracious Queen of Mirth ! 
Sound the trumpet, strike the drum. 
Let the wondrous pageant come ! 
Till our sovereign stricken dumb 
Can but smile on every one. 

Let the dragon banner fly! 
Let the redmen sweeping by! 
Let the navies welcome cry! 
Till our bright Italian sky 
Echoes back the glad refrain 
From the mountains to the main, 
160 



QUEEN OF MIRTH 



That Fiesta now again 

Finds a peerless queen to reign. 

Thanks, O Southland, unto thee. 
Who hath given her to be 
Sovereign of a people free ; 
While our daughters fair to see, 
Adding grandeur to the grand. 
Gladly round her highness stand ; 
Though each maiden's jeweled hand 
Well could scepter fairy land. 

With your regal form and face, 
Mated to a kindly grace, 
You have banished envy's trace 
From the daughters of our race. 
And with mystic, magic art. 
Conquered every warrior's heart; 
Till a host of valiant arms 
Ready stand to guard your charms. 

Now behold a moving scene 
Comes to greet thee, regnant queen. 
Winding as a brilliant stream 
In a bright and airy dream. 
Come the children, onward led, 
With our banner at their head. 
Marching thus to show their love 
To their queen and flag above. 

i6i 



STORY AND SONG 



Gently, Time, O gently now, 
Touch that regal form and brow! 
Grant her fairest fortune thou! 
Till our children's children bow 
To the beauty we behold. 
To her virtues manifold. 
Then, O Queen, when earth is past, 
Heaven welcome thee at last. 



162 



TEACH ME, PAINTER 



TEACH ME, PAINTER 

Teach me. Painter, how to blend 

All the colors of your art. 
So I can to verses lend 

Beauty that will touch the heart. 

Whisper, Painter, first of all. 

Where you cull your deeper dye — 

From what region do you call 
Purple from the arching sky ? 

Doth a rainbow sometimes lend 

Tinted harmony to thee? 
Show me whither I must wend 

To find such a bow for me. 

Do you many pansies kill, 

Stealing all their form and hue. 

Then with all your magic skill. 
Give them fadeless life anew? 

There's a garden in your room 
Filled with beauty of the plain. 

Teach me how you made them bloom, 
After every bloom was slain. 

Solve me how you came to choose 
What I fancied was a dream ; 
163 



STORY AND SONG 



Is there really such a scene, 
"On the heights of Santa Cruz." 

Teach, O teach the way to gain, 
With a master's skillful hand, 
All the beauties of the land. 

All the grandeur of the main. 

Ah, I fear I ask too much. 

When I seek your power to form. 
For the painter's magic touch 

Is within the painter born. 



164 



LITTLE JIM 



LITTLE JIM 

Now, confess you're just a boaster, 

An' are saving of the truth. 
When you shout so long and lusty 

Of your lean an' lanky youth ; 
When you vow no other infant, 

Tho' even twict the size. 
Can eekal him in wisdom. 

Or the sparkle of his eyes. 

I allow it ain't good manners 

To run a baby down, 
Fer his mammy calls him Beauty, 

Tho' he's featured like a clown. 
An' his daddy thinks his knowledge 

So superlatively gran'. 
An' pertends to know a language 

That none can understan'. 

And yit I'll lay a wager. 

That fer larnin' an' fer worth, 
Thar ain't another infant 

Upon the rollin' earth, 
Can even hold a candle 

In wisdom or in lim'. 
To a lovely blue-eyed darlin', 

Whose name is Little Jim. 
i6s 



STORY AND SONG 



You may claim that winter roses 

Are a charmin' site to see, 
An' swar the modest vi'let 's 

As sweet as sweet can be, 
But thar's never yit a blossom, 

However fair an' trim, 
Can match this bud o' beauty. 

Our han'some Little Jim. 

When he makes a long oration — 

Not a lawyer in the town 
Is half so interesting 

As this baby in his gown. 
An' his sire loves to listen — 

Fer the message soun's to him 
Like an ecko sent from heav'n 

By the shinin' serafim. 

He's got a mind an' knows it. 

An' when he waves a han'. 
His granny, dad and mammy 

Run to answer his comman' ; 
It may be in the mornin'. 

At the drowsy hour of one. 
But when an' what he orders 

Is straightway to be done. 

An' all they git in wages 

Is just a baby's smile; 
But this is so enchantin' 

It pays fer every trile; 
i66 



LITTLE JIM 



Fer they love the little tyrant. 
An' bow an' worship him, 

As if God had sent an angel 
To be known as Little Jim. 

Oh, yes, he bears another name 

Which many will forget — 
His mammy fon'ly calls him: 

" Mister James Barnett." 
But to his lowly nabors, 

This seems so proud and prim, 
That I allow he'll answer 

To the name of Little Jim. 

P'raps you'll think I'm boastin', 

Tho' it's little I have told, 
Fer tho' he 's wise an' witty. 

He 's hardly six months old. 
But still I'll risk a wager 

That in a match with him. 
Your little monkey youngster 

Can't class with Little Jim. 



167 



STORY AND SONG 



JUNE 

Oh June, June, dear little June! 
Your smile is a poem, vour laughter a tune, 
Sunshine your presence so winsome and bright, 
Wooing and winning all hearts with delight. 

Oh June, June, maidenly June ! 

Your heart is a treasure, your love heaven's boon; 

Beside these all glittering jewels of worth 

Are paltriest dust on the face of the earth. 

Oh June, June, light-hearted June ! 
Heaven send you a blessing each turn of the moon; 
In the shine of the stars, when sol is on high; 
May Fortune, fair Fortune, be ever near by. 

Oh June, June, sweet little June! 
We're glad that you came,tho' you're leaving too soon; 
Fond hearts will be aching and saddest tears flow 
When June, fairy June, turns homeward to go. 

But June, June, you'll come again soon. 
Come in the darkness, or come at high noon; 
Our doors will swing open, our hearts will rejoice. 
When we shall behold thee, and hear thy sweet voice. 



i68 



THE SAILOR'S RETURN 



THE SAILOR'S RETURN 

Ho, Captain, tell me true — 
Where is my sailor blue? 

One summer's day. 
With eyes that could not weep. 
With sorrow buried deep, 
I watched him outward sweep 

Adown the bay. 

Years, years are dead and past 
Since his top-gallant mast 

Was lost to view ; 
Yet every night and day 
I kneel to God and pray 
That he who sailed away 

Might still be true. 

My lad like thee was bold, 
But hardly now so old 

As thou I vow; 
His eyes were blue as thine. 
His smile almost divine; 
I'd give all else of mine 

To see him now. 



169 



STORY AND SONG 



Thy form and winsome grace 
Recall my laddie's face, 

And give me joy. 
Thy smile speaks to my heart 
That we shall never part, 
For now I know thou art 

My sailor boy. 



170 



A MAID WITH A HEART 



A MAID WITH A HEART 

There's a dreamy island of coral rare 

In the sunny southern sea, 
Where the mermaids combing their golden hair 

Were exceedingly fair to me. 

While twining and combing their locks with care, 

Their magical notes prolong, 
Asking if I had the courage to dare 

To list to a siren song. 

" We seek for a king who is brave and free, 

And the fairest maid of us all 
Will be his queen and the queen of the sea. 

And be crowned in our coral hall. 

"Will you come and dwell in a palace grand. 

And recline on a couch of gold ? 
You shall rule us all with a royal hand. 

If you are very strong and bold. 

" There is not a maiden in all the earth 

Can rival a maid of the sea. 
For Beauty gave each a kiss at her birth. 

And our beauty will always be." 

I said to them as we drifted apart: 
" I marvel such beauty to see, 
171 



STORY AND SONG 



But a mermaid is born without a heart, 
And can never be bride to me. 

"Besides, it is written in legends old. 

That when mermaids are won and wed — 

In the first embrace the strong and the bold 
Are numbered along with the dead. 

"And while man will risk a life for a kiss. 
Loves beauty in nature and art. 

He seeks for more than a moment of bliss, 
And longs for a maid with a heart." 



172 



JIM ROOT 



JIM ROOT 

You vow no heroes now are born, 

And laugh the present race to scorn ? 

Listen, Cynic, aye, listen well. 

While I a hero's story tell. 

And challenge e'en Achilles old 

To stand beside my hero bold. 

Not on the battle-field fought he — 

Not in the lists of chivalry — 

But yesterday at Hinckly town 

That brave Jim Root achieved renown. 

Just plain Jim Root, unknown to fame 

Until he ran that Hinckly train,- 

And snatched two hundred souls from death, 

Who felt the Reaper's scorching breath. 

Precisely at the hour of two 

The daily limited mail was due. 

And Jim, the master engineer, 

Was driving on without a fear. 

Yet gravely watched the piston stroke, 

And wondered at a pall of smoke — 

That arching o'er him left and right — 

Was turning day to darkest night. 

Then heard the anxious cries that came : 

"Back! back! the woods are all aflame." 

But on he sped, the warnings vain. 

And Hinckly saw his rescue train. 

173 



STORY AND SONG 



" Aboard ! aboard ! ye old and young ! 

Fly, fly from Hinckly, every one." 

Thus spake the hero, brave Jim Root, 

Tho' scorched and burned from head to foot. 

" Flee for your lives," he cried again, 

"Ye mothers, children, maids and men." 

Then backward with a mighty roar 

With twice a hundred souls, aye more; 

Through blinding smoke and fearful flame, 

Towards the lakeside rushed the train. 

Hemmed in by fire on every side. 

With throttle standing open wide. 

On, on it sped, with giant stride. 

The roadway roofed with lurid fire. 

The train itself a moving pyre. 

While flaming trees like arrows fell, 

Shot straight from out the mouth of hell. 

Twice, thrice the scorching billows came 

And licked his cheeks with tongues of flame, 

Till burned and blistered there he stands, 

Holding the lever in his hands. 

And never did his steely nerve 

One instant from its duty swerve. 

At last, thank God, and also Jim, 

Alive they reached the water's rim. 

Then glancing backward whence they came. 

Saw naught except a sea of flame. 



174 



JIM ROOT 



Honor and fame for him I claim, 
Who nobly ran that rescue train; 
Honor, I say, to brave Jim Root, 
A hero, sir, from cap to boot! 



175 



STORY AND SONG 



THE MOON 
To S. D. H. 

O Moon, you are a gypsy, 

And the wisest gypsy too. 
For the sober and the tipsy 

Pass you nightly in review. 

You come with wisdom laden. 

Garnered round the mother earth ; 

For like a gypsy maiden, 

You have wandered since your birth. 

You nightly hear the wailing 

Of the wicked, wretched, poor — 

Sad cries, but unavailing. 
While longings are impure. 

Envy, hatred, fiery passion 
Smite us fiercely with the rod. 

Yet with some it seems the fashion 
To ascribe our ills to God. 



It matters not to dreamer 

Whether dream be long or brief. 
If in the dream the dreamer 

Granted brothers sweet relief. 
176 



THE MOON 



And though upon Time's dial 

There is seeming wrong and strife, 

We may rise from ev'ry trial 
With a nobler view of life. 

For claims of grief and sorrow 
Turn these human hearts aright, 

So in the near to-morrow 

We shall sooner see the light. 

And when our fears would worry 
He bids them, "Peace be still," 

To neither shrink nor hurry. 
But wait the Master's will. 

With evil all forsaken 

The light will o'er us stream, 
And we shall re-awaken 

From the shadow and the dream. 



You behold how mortals travel 

Through unnumbered years of strife, 

Vainly seeking to unravel 
All the tangled skein of life. 

Winding, weaving, interlacing. 
Walking backward to the light; 

Now advancing, now retracing. 
Hardly knowing what is right. 
177 



STORY AND SONG 

Asking why and whence and whither 
Runs the destiny of man — 

Born to bud, to bloom, to wither — 
Dust and ashes once again. 

That's the casket, not the jewel. 
That's the husk, but not the corn; 

Sleep is good and never cruel. 
Since we waken at the morn. 

Dying daily, daily learning, 
Dying to this sense of life; 

To our heritage returning. 

After countless years of strife. 

Although we gaze in wonder 
At the labyrinths we tread. 

His hand is over yonder. 
Holding singly ev'ry thread. 

And He draws us in His kindness 

To the harmony above, 
Showing mercy when in blindness 

We reject a Father's love. 

So I hold that we are moving 

Onward, upward, though we pause. 

And the naught of error proving 
Knowing God alone is Cause. 



178 



MARJORIE 



MARJORIE 

Little Marjorie's still and white, 
Wakes not with the morning light; 
Soft hands folded on her breast, 
Weary Marjorie's now at rest. 

Blessed Marjorie sleeps in peace. 
All her pains and sorrows cease; 
She's not dead, she only keeps 
Tryst with Him who said : She sleeps. 



179 



STORY AND SONG 



A PRECIOUS FLOWER 

In Memory of Frances 

"Guard this," said the King to the gardener; 

"'Tis a plant exceedingly rare; 
Let it grow to bloom in my royal room 

Beneath thy fostering care." 

The gardener welcomed the stranger 

Where the rare exotics grew. 
With gentle power he shielded the flower, 

Gave it the sun and the dew. 

And never a plant grew fairer 

Within a gardener's fence; 
Its sweet perfume, when budding to bloom. 

Was like fragrant frankincense. 

And the gardener loved the stranger, 

And tended it day and night. 
So its grace and beauty, thro' love and duty. 

Might be to the King a delight. 

And the wife of the gardener worshiped 

The stranger from afar, 
Who in rain or shine shone with light divine, 

As though it came from a star. 



i8o 



A PRECIOUS FLOWER 

But near to the hour of blooming 
The garden was filled with gloom. 

Before the dawn the flower was gone, 
And the gardener's heart was a tomb. 

Yet a light from out the darkness 

Revealed to those who wept 
Near the lowly bed of the seeming dead 

That the blossom only slept. 

And they knew the kingly power 
Would waken again their bloom, 

And above the earth its beauty and worth 
Would brighten the royal room. 

And the gardener grew contented, 
And the wife from tears refrained, 

Waiting the time with faith sublime, 
Their blossom will be regained. 

With the glory of its beauty 
Secure from the clinging sod, 

With fragrant breath untouched by death, 
Anear to the throne of God. 



i8i 



STORY AND SONG 



THAT OTHER ROOM 
In Memory of I. C. Curtis 

As honored traveler to a friendly state, 
So passed he calmly to that other room. 

Not fearing there to meet a frowning fate. 
And smiling bravel) at the threat of gloom; 
For after all he deemed the gated tomb 

A lucent doorway that ajar did wait. 

To lead him onward where the lights illume 

A joyous scene behind a crystal gate. 

So what could angel death do more for him. 
Than ope the portal to the seraphim ? 

Why should he fearful be, who never knew 
A coward motive nor an action mean, 

Who proudly stood, while legions fawning grew. 
And loved the beauty of the soul serene ? 
A knightly man the earth and heaven between. 

Unsullied as the blossom in the dew. 

With look undaunted waiting for the screen 

Aside to roll and bring a heaven to view. 
Thus bravely onward still in manly bloom. 
Went he in gladness to that other room. 



182 



PEACE BE STILL 



"PEACE, BE STILL" 

In stormiest sea there cometh to me 

A message from above; 
Mid the Hghtning's flash and thunder's crash 

I hear the voice of Love : 
Peace, be still ! is the vi^hispered word. 

Peace, be still ! be still ! 
And the storm and strife of this dreamland life 

Are calmed by the Master's v^^ill. 

Oh, wand'rer from God, still dwelling in Nod, 

Dreading a gale to-day. 
Find refuge secure in the One who is pure. 

Whom even the winds obey. 
Peace be still ! Omnipotent word ! 

Peace, be still ! be still ! 
And clamor and din, the tempests of sin 

Are hushed by the Father's will. 



183 



STORY AND SONG 



ONE 

Man has one Mind, one Soul, one Life, 
One Love that quells all earthly strife. 
One Father — Mother, God Divine, 
One Christ who comes with healing sign. 

One Science leadeth man aright 
Towards the Way, the Truth, the Light; 
One Great Physician he may call — 
One Spirit, God, the All-in-all. 



184 



EASTER 



EASTER 
To Thermal Sunday School, Colorado Desert 

Hear ye the message of Easter, 

Dwellers in desert land. 
How seraphs came and in His name 

Scattered a Roman band. 

Hear ye the story of Easter, 

How angels fair as day 
For human weal broke Pilate's seal 

And rolled the stone away. 

That was the mightiest marvel 

That ever Time gave birth. 
When He, once dead, with stately tread, 

Marched from the yawning earth ! 

Behold the sacred drama ! 

Earth pauses for a time, 
While hosts above in hope and love 

Review the scene sublime. 

One touch of God's white angel 

Unlocks the narrow room ; 
Then he who died, the Crucified, 

Arises from the tomb. 



185 



STORY AND SONG 



Oh, wonderous might and wisdom ! 

The world again is trod 
By Him whom death had robbed of breath, 

The incarnate Son of God! 

" Lo, see, the Lord is risen ! " 

The radiant angel said. 
" Have ye no fear. He is not here ; 

He liveth that was dead." 

He liveth ! aye, he conquered 

The fatal foe of men ; 
And each one now should lowly bow 

To Christ of Bethlehem. 

List ye this Easter morning 

For silent word or sign — 
A message clear that each may hear 

From Christ the Son divine. 

Hark ! 'tis the Savior calling : 

"Come, O come to me! 
Open thine heart, I would not depart; 

Let me abide with thee ! " 

Thus will the Easter message 

Calm the storm and strife, 
Soothe our sorrows, brighten the morrows, 

And bless our daily life. 

THE END 

i86 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

015 988 501 A ! 




